Tamil Nadu Plans India's Longest Sea Bridge from Ennore to Poonjeri

The Tamil Nadu government is working on an ambitious project to build a 65 km-long sea bridge, stretching from Ennore in North Chennai to Poonjeri near Mamallapuram. Highways Minister E V Velu announced the project in the State Assembly in April.
A detailed feasibility report is now being prepared. The government has allocated Rs 2 crore for this study. If the plan is approved and built, it will become the longest sea bridge in India, overtaking the 21.8 km Mumbai Trans Harbour Link.

The proposed sea bridge is expected to ease the traffic on Chennai’s busy East Coast Road stretch starting from Thiruvanmiyur to Mamallapuram, and various parts of the city.

One of the biggest advantages of this project is its alignment over the sea. Since the bridge will not pass through residential areas, the need for land acquisition is low. This means fewer problems for local communities and less chance of resistance from fishermen, which was an issue in earlier road projects.

Officials have said the bridge may be built in phases. The first segment could be between Lighthouse and Kottivakkam. Later, it may be extended north to Ennore and south to Poonjeri.

This sea bridge also fits into the state’s larger vision for better road and port connectivity. It will complement the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road — a 133 km long access-controlled road linking Ennore to Poonjeri on land.

The government hopes the bridge will reshape travel along Tamil Nadu’s coast. But for now, all eyes are on the feasibility study, which will determine if this dream project can become a reality. - TWL Bureau