Coimbatore Metro Rail Project Gains Momentum with Rs 154 Crore Land Allocation
The Coimbatore Metro Rail project is picking up pace with the recent allocation of Rs 154 crore for land acquisition in the first phase of construction. This phase focuses on a 1.1 km stretch along the Coimbatore-Sathyamangalam Road at Ganapathy, which has been notorious for traffic congestion. The decision to invest in the metro rail system is a major step toward modernising urban transport, relieving congestion, and boosting economic growth in the city.
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has officially sanctioned Rs 154 crore for land acquisition as part of the metro rail’s first phase. This funding will be used to acquire land on a narrow stretch of the road, which frequently experiences severe traffic jams due to its narrowness. The land acquisition will focus on a 24-metre-wide plot running from the Textool Flyover to the Surya Hospital Junction. This stretch is crucial for the metro project as it will support the development of a vital corridor for future commuters.
The Coimbatore city corporation is collaborating with CMRL officials and the revenue department to carry out the land acquisition process. In addition to land acquisition, the CMRL has also planned to establish an office in the city to oversee the project’s operations locally. The city’s civic body has agreed to provide space for this office on rent, ensuring the project’s on-ground supervision remains streamlined. Once the CMRL appoints staff for the Coimbatore office, the work is expected to progress more rapidly. The metro project will be implemented across two key corridors. The first will run from Ukkadam Bus Stand to Neelambur Integrated Station, covering a distance of 20.4 km, while the second will span from the City Railway Junction to Valiyampalayam Pirivu, covering 14.4 km. The aim is to significantly enhance urban mobility and provide an efficient alternative to the current road transport system.
The introduction of metro services will help ease the strain on Coimbatore’s roads, which are often congested, particularly in the city’s commercial and residential areas. These metro corridors are expected to provide quicker, more efficient transport, reducing commuting times and improving connectivity between key parts of the city. To further alleviate traffic issues, the National Highways authorities are already planning to widen the road along the Textool rail over-bridge, covering a 3.1 km stretch. This widening project, which has also been allocated Rs 54 crore, is expected to run in tandem with the metro rail construction to minimise disruption and ensure that the city’s infrastructure supports the new development.
Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P Rajkumar and the city corporation commissioner, Sivaguru Prabakaran, have been actively involved in discussions with CMRL officials. They have emphasised the importance of coordinating the land acquisition and road widening efforts to avoid duplicating work in the same areas. The next step will involve conducting a detailed land plan survey for the metro project. The city corporation has requested Rs 2 crore for this purpose, which has already been sanctioned by CMRL. The survey will identify the land to be acquired for both metro corridors and assess the steps needed to relocate underground cables and water pipelines. Once completed, the corporation will submit a report, allowing CMRL to proceed with land acquisition for both stretches.
The metro rail project has been widely welcomed by residents and officials, who view it as a transformative project for the city. Many locals are hopeful that it will alleviate long-standing traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, officials are optimistic that the metro will enhance Coimbatore’s position as a growing metropolitan area and stimulate further urban development. However, while excitement abounds, there are concerns about the impact of land acquisition and potential disruptions. The coordination between various departments, including CMRL and the National Highways authorities, is vital to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public. The officials are confident that with thorough planning and collaboration, these challenges will be overcome. The Coimbatore Metro Rail project is on track to bring about significant improvements in urban transport, and its successful implementation will likely serve as a model for other cities across India. As the city’s infrastructure evolves, it is clear that Coimbatore is gearing up for a modern, more connected future.
