The long-delayed Avinashi Road Elevated Expressway in Coimbatore is on the brink of a major breakthrough, with authorities preparing to install a 900-tonne iron span over the railway overbridge near Hopes Junction.
Fabricated in Hyderabad, the iron deck has been divided into 40 segments and is being transported to the site on 15 trucks. Officials expect the convoy to reach Coimbatore within the week, with installation projected to take around 10 to 15 days. Approved in August 2020 and under construction since December that year, the project has faced multiple delays but is now approaching completion. The 10-kilometre, four-lane flyover — the longest in Tamil Nadu — stretches from Uppilipalayam to Goldwins, aiming to ease congestion along the busy Avinashi Road corridor. Of the 304 decks required, only three remain — all located over the active railway stretch. Due to engineering constraints, officials opted for a 52-metre iron span in place of concrete. The Southern Railway’s Salem Division has granted initial clearance, with final approval from headquarters in Chennai awaited.
The structure will be reinforced with concrete after installation. Railway traffic will be temporarily suspended for up to five days to allow the deck’s placement. Eight ramps, located at key intersections including Anna Statue, Nava India, Hope College, and near the airport, are also part of the Rs 1,621.30 crore project. Internal audits have signalled a return to momentum, with officials from Coimbatore and Pollachi divisions recently reviewing progress on site.
The flyover is now targeted for completion by June, with an inauguration planned in July — offering long-awaited relief to commuters navigating one of the city’s busiest stretches.
