Coimbatore Residents Demand Faster Flyover Work at Saibaba Colony Junction
Residents and motorists in Coimbatore have issued a strong demand for the state government to accelerate the construction of a flyover at the Saibaba Colony junction on Mettupalayam Road. The ongoing project, which began in mid-2024, has faced significant delays, raising public concerns over traffic management and safety in the area.
Traffic Woes and Public Frustration
The 1.2km, four-lane flyover, valued at Rs 75 crore, stretches from Alagesan Road to the Mettupalayam Road bus terminus near Eru Company. However, the slow progress has left the service road inadequate to handle daily traffic volumes, leading to severe congestion. D Aravind Kumar, a resident of Urumandampalayam who travels this route three times a week, highlighted the challenges.
"It takes more than half an hour to cross this 1.2km stretch," Kumar said. "While the Mettupalayam-bound side has seen recent widening, the city entry from Mettupalayam Road remains heavily congested. High pedestrian movement near the Saibaba police station, a private hospital, and Anna market, combined with a lack of proper pavements, exacerbates the issue."
Official Response and Project Timeline
Despite public outcry, a highways department official stated that the project's scheduled completion deadline is August 2026, with efforts underway to finish earlier. Key steps include the installation of a high-tension transmission tower in Saibaba Colony, which is currently in progress and expected to take 10 to 15 days. Following this, powerline diversion work will require approximately 45 days, with wires placed at an 11-metre height to ensure unobstructed vehicle movement on the flyover.
The official added that work on fixing two decks and a ramp is pending and is anticipated to be completed by the end of April. However, residents and commuters continue to voice frustration over prolonged construction, citing heavier traffic congestion, extended travel times, and safety risks near barricaded sections and active work zones.
Impact on Daily Commutes
The delays have not only disrupted daily commutes but also raised safety concerns, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity. The absence of proper infrastructure has forced pedestrians to navigate through congested traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Motorists report that the stretch, especially when entering the city from Mettupalayam Road, becomes a bottleneck during peak hours, with vehicles crawling at a snail's pace.
As the project inches forward, the community remains hopeful for timely completion to alleviate the persistent traffic woes and enhance road safety in Coimbatore.
