Coimbatore Begins Sathyamangalam Road Widening Amid Land Concerns
The long-delayed Sathyamangalam Road widening project in Coimbatore is finally taking off, with initial work on a 4km stretch from Kappi Kadai to Kurumbapalayam set to begin soon. Backed by a government allocation of ₹40 crore, the project signals the start of a broader 96km highway expansion. However, the development has stirred opposition from farmers, environmentalists, and residents due to concerns around land loss, compensation transparency, and ecological impact across the region.
The broader project involves widening the entire 96-kilometre stretch of Sathy Road from Kurumbapalayam to Kakanallah near the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border. While the initiative was originally managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it was handed over to the Coimbatore division of the State Highways Department in 2022 for execution. By May 2023, the Union Government sanctioned ₹639.18 crore towards land acquisition for the project—targeting around 650 acres. However, the land acquisition process hit major delays due to administrative bottlenecks, particularly the lack of a designated District Revenue Officer to lead the acquisition efforts. A special team was formed six months ago, accelerating progress, and a land acquisition notification was formally issued in February 2025.
Despite this momentum, the project has faced sharp resistance from local stakeholders. Farmers, industrialists, and residents in areas such as Annur have raised objections to the acquisition of agricultural land, residential areas, and commercial properties. The looming threat of displacement and loss of livelihood has prompted widespread concern. Environmental activists have also weighed in, urging authorities to consider alternative routes such as expanding the existing NH 948 or developing bypasses through sparsely populated areas. The lack of clarity on environmental clearances, rehabilitation packages, and compensation frameworks has deepened public distrust, with calls for greater transparency from highway authorities.
Amid ongoing debate, officials have opted to begin work on the 4km Kappi Kadai to Kurumbapalayam segment, as this portion requires no land acquisition. Authorities believe that initiating construction here will demonstrate visible progress while broader issues are resolved. The road, once completed, is expected to improve regional connectivity, especially for freight movement between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and decongest key arterial routes within Coimbatore’s expanding urban footprint. However, the success of the full project may hinge on how sensitively authorities address the socio-environmental concerns raised by affected communities.
As Coimbatore races to modernise its transport corridors, the Sathyamangalam Road project highlights the urgent need for inclusive planning, fair compensation, and resilient infrastructure strategies that respect both ecological and human landscapes.
