COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Thursday inaugurated the 10.1-km flyover in Coimbatore city, built at a cost of Rs. 1,791.23 crore over a 5 year period.
Named after ‘Edison of India’ G.D. Naidu, the flyover runs from Goldwins to Uppilipalayam and reduces the travel time to Coimbatore airport from the city to 10 minutes.
According to a state government press release approval to prepare a detailed project report for the four-lane flyover was given in 2016-2017, and administrative sanction for Rs. 1,621 crore was given in 2020. The contract for the elevated road work was awarded to K.N.R. Constructions in 2020 and the work was scheduled for completion in 48 months.
In July last year, the revised sanction was given for Rs. 1,791.23 crore. All works have been completed, except the construction of an up-ramp at one location and a 1.5-metre-wide footpath and drainage system for 4.4 km.
The project work includes the four-lane main carriageway and a six-lane expanded ground-level road. There are eight up and down ramps (four locations).
Dubbed the longest flyover in south India, the bridge has unique features such as sinus plate expansion joints, rainwater harvesting system in every span to improve groundwater recharge, drip irrigation on the flyover and sprinkler irrigation at the ground level, and energy-saving lights, said the press release.
The flyover.
E.V. Velu, Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, G.D. Gopal, son of G.D. Naidu and Managing Trustee of G.D. Naidu Charities Trust, and G.D. Rajkumar, grandson of G.D. Naidu and a Trustee, were also present at the inauguration. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister took a ride on the flyover.
