Thanjavur: Confusion prevailed in Thanjavur city on Thursday morning after the public resorted to a protest against the sudden opening of an overbridge which was stayed by the Madurai bench of the Madras high court after a crack was discovered on it. However, it was revealed that the state highways department had reportedly opened the bridge only for inspection.In fact, the over-bridge at Santha Pillai gate was supposed to be inaugurated by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during the MGR centenary celebrations last year, but it was called off after a huge crack was discovered on it. It should be noted that the state government decided in 2011 to construct the bridge and allotted Rs 52 crore fund for the project and gave instructions to complete the project in 28 months.Also, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one K Nilakandan, the high court restrained the highways department from opening the bridge. Apart from ordering notice to state’s chief secretary and highways secretary, the bench also instructed the chief engineer of the highways department to produce structural stability certificate for the bridge.But, on Wednesday night, the bridge was suddenly opened and vehicles were allowed to pass. When the public came to know about it, they started protesting on Thursday and demanded its closure stating that the case was still pending in court.As a result, tahsildar Kannabiran held talks with the protesters and also with the highways department officials, who informed him that they opened the bridge only for inspection. After this was conveyed to the public, they dispersed from the place.Barricades were also put up on the bridge.

Stay updated with all the Latest Trichy headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.