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Coimbatore, Oct 9 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday inaugurated the much-awaited 10.1-km Avinashi Road elevated corridor, which is now officially the longest in the state and the third largest in India.
The flyover, named after industrial pioneer GD Naidu, is expected to dramatically reduce traffic congestion between Goldwyns and Uppilipalayam – one of the busiest stretches of Coimbatore.
Built at a cost of Rs 228 crore, the project involves the acquisition of approximately 4.9 acres of land.
Work began in 2020 to clear serious traffic bottlenecks on Avinashi Road, which connects the city to Coimbatore International Airport.
The route, notorious for taking at least 45 minutes to cover a distance of just 10 km during peak hours, can now be covered in less than 10 minutes thanks to the new elevated corridor.
The six-lane and four-lane sections together form a 10-lane high-level flyover that spans major junctions including the airport, Kodisia, Hope College, Nava India, Lakshmi Mills and Anna Statue.
The structure also includes a railway crossing, eliminating one of the most frequent traffic jam points in the area.
The project has four boarding and landing platforms located at Coimbatore Airport, Hope College, Nava India and Anna Statue for local access.
Notably, it is the first flyover in Tamil Nadu to be equipped with a complete rainwater harvesting system along its entire length.
Other world-class features include reinforced security barriers, roller shutters and modern lighting for better visibility and safety.
After almost all the work has been completed – except minor finishing on the Anna statue ramp and associated drainage lines – the flyover has been opened for public use.
The structure was beautifully illuminated with decorative lights at the inauguration ceremony, when Chief Minister Stalin walked and drove on the flyover to inspect it.
Public Works Minister EV Velu had personally monitored the progress and ensured that the Chief Minister’s direction to complete the project on priority basis was followed.
The Avinashi Road flyover is expected to become a new urban landmark, which will not only improve connectivity within Coimbatore but also facilitate faster travel to Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Avinashi.
–IANS
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