Widening of Uppilipalayam flyover remains a proposal

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A view of the Uppilipalayam flyover (Avinashi Road old flyover) in Coimbatore. | Photo Credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

Almost three years ago, when the construction of the GD Naidu flyover was under way in Coimbatore city, there was a renewed push to widen the Uppilipalayam flyover as well. Plans were drawn, and it was proposed to take up the work as an extension of the GD Naidu flyover.

An official of the National Highways (NH) wing of the Highways Department told The Hindu on Thursday (August 27) that the plan was to widen the outer border of the flyover with minimum land acquisition. The NH wing prepared a detailed project report and submitted it to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to widen the flyover at ₹16 crore.

The approach roads were already handed over to the NHAI. The plan was for the NHAI to widen the flyover too. “However, the project has been returned to the NH wing now as the flyover is located within Coimbatore city,” the official said.

Another official in the know of the developments clarified that the Centre has approved the project and sanctioned funds too. But, it will be implemented by the NH wing of the Highways Department and not the NHAI. A communication in this regard is expected in the next few days, the official added.

Pradeep, who regularly uses the flyover, said there are traffic snarls on at least three days a week with vehicles waiting till Chinthamani in North Coimbatore. Crossing the flyover takes more than half an hour on most of the days and there is an urgent need to widen the Uppilipalayam flyover, he said.

K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said the project was taken up in 2023 as a work that can be completed in a couple of months. However, it did not progress. Now, the Centre is said to have sanctioned about ₹43 crore for the Uppilipalayam flyover and strengthening of Sathyamangalam road for about 10 km. The NH wing is likely to take up these works after the order is received, he said.

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