Three packages of Sanganoor Canal revamp await State government approval

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The completed stretch of the Sanganoor Canal revamp project near Rathinapuri in Coimbatore on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SIVA SARAVANAN S.

The Sanganoor Canal revamp project, planned to create an alternative road corridor across Coimbatore city, has hit a roadblock, with the three packages beyond the first awaiting approval for a proposed ₹294-crore investment.

The Coimbatore Corporation has proposed developing about 6.5 km of the corridor from Rathinapuri to Trichy Road through the three packages. The proposal has been submitted to the State government, but officials are not hopeful of an early sanction, citing the cost involved.

The first package, taken up in November 2021 at an estimated cost of ₹49 crore, covers 2.5 km from Mettupalayam Road to Rathinapuri. It includes strengthening the canal banks, constructing retaining and gabion walls, desilting the canal and forming roads along both sides.

According to officials, the retaining walls have been completed and road work is nearing completion. The full stretch is yet to be opened to traffic, however, as some families occupying encroached portions are awaiting alternative accommodation.

The work was suspended in August 2022 owing to difficulties in relocating residents along the canal and resumed in June 2023 after modifications to the plan. Roads were laid in stretches where encroachments had been removed, while the remaining portions are dependent on rehabilitation and clearance.

The three packages awaiting approval cover the stretches from Rathinapuri to Sathyamangalam Road, Sathyamangalam Road to Avinashi Road, and Avinashi Road to Trichy Road.

A senior Corporation official said the proposal involved land acquisition, road construction and rehabilitation of encroachers. The official attributed the increase in the estimate to higher construction material costs and other expenses.

“The proposal has been submitted to the State government. We will, however, proceed with commissioning the first package as the work is nearing completion,” the official said.

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