More bridges planned in Coimbatore

As many as 18 places have been identified in Coimbatore for road overbridges, according to Highways Minister M.P. Saminathan.

Inaugurating the road overbridge work at Irugur on Tuesday, he said works would start soon on these projects. The design was being prepared for the flyover proposed at Gandhipuram. During the last four-and-a-half years, 995 road and bridge works were taken up in the district at a total cost of about Rs. 880 crore.

The road overbridge across the Noyyal and the railway crossing (No. 144) at Irugur would be 1,107 metres long. It was coming up at a cost of Rs. 21.1 crore from the State Government and Rs. 11.05 crore from the Railways.

It would be completed in 18 months.

However, efforts should be taken to complete it in a year, he said.

During the last four-and-a-half years, 28 road overbridges were opened in the State and consent obtained for 104. The total length of the roads maintained by the Central and State Governments in the State was 61,674 km.

Minister for Rural Industries Pongalur N. Palanisamy said the State Government had taken steps during the last four years to ensure that benefits from various Government schemes reached every individual.

Several welfare schemes and development works had been implemented.

District Collector P. Umanath said efforts would be taken to provide street lights under the Namakku Naame Scheme at Irugur.

Valparai MLA Kovai Thangam and Thondamuthur MLA M.N. Kandasamy also spoke.