Fresh Roadblocks Hit Avinashi Road Flyover Project in Coimbatore

The nearly completed 10.1-km Avinashi Road flyover in Coimbatore has run into fresh hurdles, raising concerns over further delays and pedestrian safety.

A recent order by the Madras High Court on May 22 directed the Highways Department to reconstruct two of four pillars for an upward ramp as per the original 30-metre span design—even if the pillars are already partially or fully built. The court ruled that these pillars must be relocated to their approved positions or nearby. In response, the Highways Department has filed an appeal.

An official from the Department argued that spans across several parts of the flyover already exceed 30 metres and are currently being used by construction vehicles without safety issues. “Designs were vetted at multiple levels. Safety has not been compromised,” the official asserted. The flyover includes eight ramps and is expected to be completed by the end of August, with only the deck work near Hope College pending.

Pedestrian safety remains another flashpoint. While the original plan included five subways at a cost of ₹15 crore, they have now been dropped. The Department cites multiple constraints on building subways and proposes foot overbridges instead, potentially integrated into the future metro rail project, which also runs along Avinashi Road. In the meantime, traffic signals may serve as temporary crossing solutions.

However, K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, criticized the move. “The metro rail project doesn’t have a clear timeline. The Highways Department cannot scrap the subways that were part of the approved plan,” he said, warning that the organization may take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, concerns have emerged over service roads. While reports suggest land acquisition issues may prevent service roads in some areas beyond the ramps, the official confirmed that single-lane service roads will be constructed on both sides of the flyover for its entire length.

The project, envisioned to ease congestion on one of the city’s busiest corridors, now faces both legal and planning roadblocks as it nears completion.