In terms of infrastructure, Coimbatore has always depended on the private institutions
and industries. A few years ago, the state government constructed asphalt roads in all
corporation wards, and now work on the Gandhipuram flyover is in full swing.
According to the state highways department, the construction of the two-tier flyover is
estimated at around Rs.162 crores.
Since this is one of the busiest roads in the city, the Highway Department is very
particular about completing this work on time, and technology is playing a very important
role in this venture. With the help of specialized tool, the workers are able to drill holes,
lay the foundation and pump in concrete within an hour. The equipment enables them to
pump concrete in high volumes using motors mounted on remote controlled trucks. More
than 300 labourers are involved in this project, night and day.
In the past 14 months, the contractors have raised the bridge for the first level flyover
covering 1.7 km from Nanjappa Road Park Gate to Sanganur Pallam Bridge near
Omnibus stand on Sathyamangalam Road. Full fledged work on the second level flyover,
measuring 1.2 km, from Seventh Cross Street of 100 Feet Road (near Kalyan Silks) to
Chinnasamy Road near the famous Ayappan temple, will commence soon.
“Two pedestrian subways will also be constructed along the flyover, between the
mofussil bus stand; and one will be constructed at the traffic signal. Service roads will
also be laid with footpaths,” a Highways official said.