The proposal to widen Avinashi Road flyover is waiting for the Central Government’s nod. However, chances of the approval are less, says an official of the Highways Department.
The State Highways Department (NH wing) had proposed widening the two-lane flyover into a three-lane one (increase the width of the seven metre wide road by 3.5 metres). This is the one of the main flyovers in the city connecting the commercial hubs.
The plan was to widen the motorable space in the entire flyover. But, the Central Government plans to widen the Dindigul-Sathyamangalam road and the flyover is part of it. Hence, it is likely that only patchwork and maintenance work can be taken up on the National Highways (Dindigul-Sathyamangalam road) that passes through the city, the official said.
According to K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, widening of Avinashi Road flyover was a massive project and involved acquiring land from the National Textile Corporation. It would not be an easy job.
Hence, the Highways Department should look at developing bypass roads connecting the outskirts of the city rather than taking up widening works within the city.
“The aim should be to reduce the number of vehicles entering the city. Those that are just passing by Coimbatore should be able to take a bypass road. Such a facility will help the city road users too,” he says.
