After years of delays, the State Highways Department is set to commence work on the Rail Overbridge (ROB) at Thanneerpandal junction near Tidel Park in Coimbatore. The department has submitted a revised project cost of Rs 400.7 million to the state government and is awaiting administrative approval.

To address severe traffic congestion, the state government initially sanctioned the project through the State Highways Department, approving Rs 20.65 million in 2006. The plan involved constructing a flyover or ROB at Level Crossing (LC) Gate No. 6 on Thanneerpandal Road.

A total of 18,682 sq ft was designated for land acquisition, with most of the 58 landowners agreeing to the process. However, objections from five landowners led to legal disputes in the Madras High Court. The court ruled against the petitioners, dismissing their cases and imposing fines, directing the payments to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority in March 2023.

Despite the court’s ruling, landowners of a private school and an industry along Hopes-Thanneerpandal Road filed an appeal, causing further delays. With the case pending, bridge construction was stalled once again.

In response to the ongoing delays, the highway authorities have decided to move forward with the project, as only a minor portion of land is required for the service road. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) is making preparations to relocate drinking water supply pipelines near the project site. On Saturday, a team led by CCMC Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran, along with officials from the State Highways Department and CCMC, inspected the location and discussed the upcoming construction activities.

News source: The New Indian Express