The Coimbatore Corporation is all set to provide a fresh tar top to some of the major thoroughfares in the city in view of the World Classical Tamil Conference in June.
The Coimbatore Corporation Council recently cleared bids for these works estimated at Rs.10.45 crore.
Some of the roads that will be provided a new tar top are: 100 Feet Road (Rajendra Prasad Road), Nava India Road (tar top and widening), Sowripalayam Road (up to Masakalipalayam), Dr. Balasundaram Road, Sanganur Road (from Mettupalayam Road to Sathyamangalam Road), Sundakamuthur Bypass Road and N.S.R. Road. A few other thoroughfares and link roads will also be re-laid. The Corporation has already cleared some road works.
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Apart from the new surface for the roads, the civic body will also lay a 40 ft scheme road near Rangavilas Mill and construct a bridge near G.V. Residency to link it with Sowripalayam Road. The work is estimated to cost Rs.75 lakh.
Pedestrian pavements would be laid from Anna Statue to Lakshmi Mills on Avanashi Road. Pavements and storm water drains would be constructed from Huzur Road to Puliyakulam. Pavements would also be built along Krishnaswamy Road.
According to the Corporation, many road works are being taken up as the Tamil meet is the best opportunity to carry out these.
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Over the last two to three meetings, the Council had witnessed a number of requests from councillors for laying new link or scheme roads and to re-lay some of the roads that were in poor condition.
These were in addition to the list already drawn up by the Corporation for improvements in view of the conference.
Demands to improve the condition of Marudamalai Road and Perur Road were also made at the meetings. Councillors pointed out that the participants at the conference might visit the heritage and pilgrimage centres of Perur and Marudamalai.
Officials clarified that these roads were under the control of the State Highways and the department would carry out improvements.
At one meeting, Leader of the Opposition and DMK member V.N. Udayakumar said at least 130 scheme roads earmarked in the Master Plan were yet to be laid.
Responding to this, Commissioner Anshul Mishra said the Plan never spoke of the funding. “The Tamil conference is a boon to us, as it is bringing funds from the Government to carry our improvements to the roads,” he pointed out.