COIMBATORE: Even as the newly constructed Saibaba Colony flyover has eased traffic flow after being opened to motorists a couple of weeks ago, commuters have urged the authorities to speed up the pending works on the service roads beneath the structure, saying the unfinished stretches continue to pose inconvenience and safety concerns.
The 1.2-km-long flyover, built at an estimated cost of Rs 71.05 crore, was thrown open on July 20 after nearly two years of construction. However, several works under the project, including service road paving, utility shifting, stormwater drain construction and painting of the flyover, among others, are yet to be completed. At many locations, pipeline installation works are still in progress, leaving the service roads dug up and uneven.
"Using the flyover has definitely reduced travel time, but the condition of the service roads is disappointing. Potholes, loose gravel and uneven roads with patches of damage make it difficult to commute, especially for two-wheeler riders," said R Hariharan, a commuter from Saibaba Colony.
The project commenced on September 19, 2024, with an original completion target of January 2026. However, delays in shifting underground utilities and coordination among the Highways Department, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) resulted in the deadline being revised more than twice.
Officials had earlier planned to complete all pending works after opening the flyover by temporarily closing the service roads. However, the work has progressed slowly as pipeline installation and utility shifting are still under way.
Speaking to TNIE, a senior Highways Department official said, "The CCMC has been carrying out pipeline installation works at a few locations along the service road. We are waiting for those works to be completed before laying the final road surface.
Utility shifting and stormwater drain works are also in progress and are expected to be completed soon. The contractor has been instructed to finish all the remaining works in the project by the end of this month."