Coimbatore Corporation Conducts Primary Land Acquisition Inspection for Metro Rail and Highway Projects on Sathyamangalam Road
The much-anticipated Coimbatore Metro Rail project took a significant step forward with a primary inspection held on January 28, 2025, aimed at finalising the land acquisition process along the Sathyamangalam Road. This inspection, a prelude to the upcoming board meeting scheduled for January 31, has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including officials from the city corporation, the district administration, and the Metro Rail project.
The primary goal of this inspection was to evaluate the land needed for both the Metro project and the ongoing highway improvement plan, which are set to share a common stretch of land. This strategic decision aims to streamline the acquisition process, ensuring that the Metro Rail project and the highway expansion work can proceed simultaneously, thus avoiding delays and reducing the burden on landowners. Corporation Commissioner, Sivaguru Prabakaran, spearheaded the inspection and explained the importance of the process. He clarified that the inspection was part of the preparation for the board meeting, where critical decisions would be made regarding land acquisition. The focus of the inspection was to finalise land acquisition along a 3 km stretch of Sathyamangalam Road, starting from the Textool Bridge to Surya Hospital. This stretch is pivotal for both the Metro Rail project and the highway improvement initiative.
Prabakaran also highlighted that a sum of Rs 56 crore had been sanctioned for the highway improvement project, which will require the acquisition of 20 metres of land along 1 km. He suggested that the land acquisition process for both the highway and the Metro Rail could be merged to create a 24-metre stretch, which would benefit both projects simultaneously. The officials from the national highway department emphasised the urgency of acquiring land for the highway project, particularly the stretch from Textool Bridge to Surya Hospital, where construction works are expected to begin shortly. They noted that although the Metro Rail land acquisition process would require more time, it would be beneficial to combine both acquisitions for logistical ease.
While officials have a clear roadmap in mind, the local residents and landowners in Coimbatore remain cautious yet hopeful about the developments. Many are concerned about how the land acquisition process will impact them, especially in terms of compensation and relocation. The idea of combining the highway and Metro projects seems to be a promising step, as it could reduce the number of disruptions and streamline compensation processes. On the other hand, Coimbatore residents are optimistic that the Metro Rail project will bring much-needed infrastructure development to the city, making commuting easier and lessening the traffic congestion that has long plagued Sathyamangalam Road. However, they are eager to see how the land acquisition process unfolds and whether the final decisions made during the board meeting on January 31 will address their concerns.
Final Decisions Awaited
The primary inspection and the subsequent discussions are part of a larger effort to ensure that both the Metro and highway projects move forward without unnecessary delays. As officials await the final decisions during the board meeting, the people of Coimbatore continue to keep a close eye on the outcomes, hoping that the ambitious projects will improve the city’s infrastructure while addressing the concerns of the local community. As Coimbatore gears up for its future as a metro city, the collaboration between the city corporation, the national highway department, and the Metro Rail authorities will be key in ensuring that these transformative projects succeed for the benefit of all.