Metro rail plan clashes with Ukkadam flyover expansion

Coimbatore: The state highways department is holding talks with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) after the feasibility study for the Coimbatore metro rail project suggested a corridor through the Ukkadam-Sungam Bypass. It may affect the proposed extension of the flyover.

The department had proposed to turn the flyover at Ukkadam-Sungam junction to form an elevated loop at the place where the Ukkadam bus stand is located before getting down at Ukkadam-Sungam Bypass. “We had submitted the proposal to the state government and are waiting for nod,” said a senior official of the department.

As per the report submitted by the private company that conducted feasibility study, metro rail will be implemented in four corridors covering 136 kilometres. The corridors are formed from Karanampettai on Trichy Road to Thaneerpandal on Thadagam Road for 42 kilometres, Kaniyur to Ukkadam via Avinashi Road for 26 kilometres, Pilichi to Ukkadam via Mettupalayam Road for 24 kilometres and Ganeshapuram to Karunya Nagar via Sathy Road for 44 kilometres.

“As a ground-level corridor connecting Karanampetti and Thaneerpandal through Ukkadam-Sungam Bypass was suggested, it might affect the proposed design of the flyover project. Also, considering the vehicle flow, it is difficult to provide the 10 metre required to lay the railway track on the road,” said the official.

The official said that talks are being held with CMRL to find a solution before proceeding with the project. “During the first meeting held a week ago, the highways department had suggested to form the corridor through Lanka Corner instead of passing it through Ukkadam-Sungam Bypass. We will meet again in a week.”

Months after the 1.97-kilometre-long Ukkadam Flyover project commenced, the department had proposed to make changes on both sides of the flyover – towards Athupalam and Town Hall.

It was proposed to extend the flyover for another 600 metres till Athupalam junction. A 300-metre-long loop will be constructed between Palakkad and Pollachi Road. On the other side, it was proposed to cut off the flyover by 244 meters from Naaz Theatre and form an elevated loop before connecting the roads towards Sungam and Town Hall.