COIMBATORE: The Local Planning Authority (LPA) has allocated about Rs 54 crore for the Sathyamangalam road widening project works in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has earmarked lands for the Land Acquisition (LA) works and has been sent to the DRO for approval. Once the LA is completed, the land will be handed over to the highways department.
The Sathyamangalam or Sathy Road is one of the most congested roads in Coimbatore. Being one of the vital roads of Coimbatore, the 65 km long Sathy Road which is a part of the NH 948, connects the city with Ganapathy, Chinnavedampatti, Saravanampatti, Kovilpalayam, Annur and all the way to Sathyamangalam in Erode district.
However, the road is narrow due to which it is reeling under heavy traffic congestion for a long time. As this is the only route used by the majority of the motorists who commute to the IT tech parks in Saravanampatti and mofussil buses that take passengers to Annur and Sathyamangalam.
Based on a resolution passed by the CCMC on October 16, 2020, a Government Order Number 32 (GO) was issued and an amount of Rs 38,64,81,827 from the Coimbatore LPA fund was sanctioned for LA costs from Textool Bridge to the Surya Hospital stretch on the Sathy Road. Following a field inspection on July 16, this year by Coimbatore MP Rajkumar, District Collector Kranti Kumar Pati, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran, officials from the CCMC Town Planning and National Highways Department, it was estimated that an additional fund of Rs 15,35,18,173 would be required to complete the work. In this situation, the LPA had sanctioned a sum of Rs 54 crore for LA works that will be done by the CCMC.
Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, “CCMC’s town planning officials have identified lands for the widening project. We’ve earmarked lands on Sathy Road and have sent the report to the District Revenue Officer (DRO) for approval. Once approved, the LA will be completed and handed over to the highways department for the widening works. And as the Metro Rail project has been planned on this road, we’re also identifying the lands required for it along with the widening works. If the CMRL gives the nod and funds, we shall acquire additional lands. If it’s delayed, we shall proceed with the already identified land with the funds from LPA.”
When inquired about it, Coimbatore DRO Dr M Sharmila told TNIE that a report has been sent to the Commissionerate of Land Administration which will appoint a land acquisition officer for the works. Once appointed, the official will give a 30-day notice period to land owners and all LA works shall be completed within four to five months’ time.
A senior official of the NH wing in the Coimbatore Division told TNIE, “A DPR for widening the Sathy Road for a length of 3.4 km from Textool Bridge to the Prozone Mall has been sent to the centre for approval and funds. LA is necessary only from Textool to Surya Hospital.