Coimbatore Western Bypass to Be Transferred to State Highways Authority

The Coimbatore Western Bypass project, a long awaited infrastructure initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion in the city, will soon be transferred from the State Highways Department to the newly formed Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority. The decision comes at a crucial stage, with the first phase of the project nearing completion.

The initial phase covers an 11.8 kilometre four lane stretch from Mayilkal to Madampatti junction and has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore. The stretch includes two vehicle underpasses and several culverts designed to improve traffic flow and road safety. The completed section is expected to be inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin shortly.

The broader Coimbatore Western Ring Road project spans 32.43 kilometres and was originally proposed in 2007. It is being executed in three phases. While the first phase is almost complete, nearly 90 percent of land acquisition for the second phase has been finalised. A proposal for a detailed feasibility study has now been submitted to the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority for further evaluation.

However, the proposed administrative shift has triggered concerns among local stakeholders. Consumer groups have questioned the need for a fresh feasibility assessment midway through the project. There are also apprehensions that toll plazas may be introduced once the project is transferred, which they argue contradicts the state government’s earlier stand on reducing toll burden within Tamil Nadu.

Infrastructure experts believe that timely execution of the remaining phases will be critical in decongesting urban traffic and supporting industrial growth in Coimbatore. Any delay in decision making or policy clarity could slow the project’s progress. With traffic volumes steadily increasing, completion of the western bypass remains vital for the city’s long term mobility and development plans.