Coimbatore Eastern Bypass project likely to be delayed

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Eastern Bypass/Ring Road project is likely to face further delays. Minister for public works E V Velu on Friday said the measures to initiate the Eastern Bypass project would begin only after the completion of all three phases of the Western Bypass Road.

"The ongoing Western Bypass must be completed first. The first phase of this project is currently in progress while the second phase of land acquisition is nearing completion at 98%. In this context, the contract for the second phase is expected to be initiated in May, following the demand for grants, for which the ‘vote on account' will be held in the assembly. This will ensure that work on the second phase begins soon," the minister told reporters here.

He said land acquisition for the third phase is still in progress under the district administration.

Asked about the Neelambur Bypass, which is being handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the minister said, "We have written to the NHAI requesting them to transfer the road to the state govt. In that case, we will certainly convert it into a six-lane road as soon as possible."

Earlier, the minister inspected construction work on the Periyar Library and Study Centre in Gandhipuram. This project is estimated to cost Rs 300 crore and is being expedited for inauguration in January 2026.

The eight-storey building will feature a large parking area with a capacity to accommodate 400 two-wheelers and 200 four-wheelers.