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Coimbatore's Western Ring Road Phase 2 Delayed, Fueling Traffic Worries

The completion of Phase One of Coimbatore's Western Ring Road offers a preview of traffic relief, but progress is now stalled. The Tamil Nadu government has not yet sanctioned funds or granted approval for the crucial Phase Two, despite submissions from the Highways Department. This delay halts all preparatory work as vehicle density grows in rapidly expanding western suburbs. The full 31-km ring road, once completed, is designed to divert heavy vehicles from the city core and improve urban mobility.

Key Points: Coimbatore Ring Road Phase 2 Delay Sparks Traffic Concerns

  • Phase 2 funding not sanctioned
  • Vehicle density rising in western suburbs
  • Phase 1 in final completion stage
  • Full road to divert heavy city traffic
3 min read

Western ring road phase two delay sparks fresh traffic worries in TN's Coimbatore

Delays in funding approval for Phase 2 of Coimbatore's Western Ring Road raise fears of prolonged traffic congestion in the city's western suburbs.

"The delay has put all preparatory activities on hold, even as vehicle density continues to rise - State Highways Department"

Chennai, Jan 25

The near-completion of the first phase of Coimbatore's Western Ring Road has brought temporary relief to motorists, but delays in approving funds for the second phase have cast uncertainty over the project's larger objective of decongesting the city.

With the next phase yet to receive administrative clearance, concerns are mounting that traffic bottlenecks along the western corridor could persist for years.

Despite repeated submissions by the State Highways Department, the Tamil Nadu government has not yet granted sanction or released funds for Phase Two. The delay has put all preparatory activities on hold, even as vehicle density continues to rise in the western suburbs, witnessing rapid residential and commercial expansion.

Phase One of the project, stretching nearly 11.8 km from Mylkal to Madampatti, is in its final stage of execution.

Remaining works include lane markings, installation of reflectors and warning signboards, and fixing of streetlights. Several completed stretches have already been opened informally to traffic, offering a preview of the road's potential to ease movement.

The first phase was implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore and passes through Madukkarai, Sundakkamuthur, Perur Chettipalayam, Theethipalayam, and Madampatti. Construction began in August 2023, following the state government's earlier sanction of Rs 320 crore for land acquisition covering all three phases of the 31-km ring road.

According to the initial timeline, Phase One was scheduled for completion by August 2025, with Phase Two set to commence the following month. However, construction delays altered the schedule, and the absence of financial approval has now further stalled progress.

Phase Two, covering a 12.1-km stretch from Madampatti to Somayampalayam, is projected to cost Rs 368 crore. The route cuts across Perur, West Chithirai Chavadi, Kallikanaicken Palayam, Vadavalli, and Somayampalayam --localities already under strain from increasing traffic volumes.

The proposal for this phase was submitted during September-October last year and is still awaiting clearance.

Sources suggest that Phase Two may be executed through the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority and is unlikely to be taken up before the Assembly elections.

A decision on toll collection for the entire Western Ring Road will be made only after all phases are completed, though officials have confirmed that no toll will be levied on the first 11-km stretch.

Once fully operational, the Western Ring Road is expected to significantly reshape traffic movement in Coimbatore by diverting heavy and long-distance vehicles away from the city core, easing pressure on arterial roads, and improving overall urban mobility.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The completed stretches of Phase One are a dream to drive on. It shows what's possible. But stopping now is like building half a bridge. The authorities need to think about the long-term benefit for Coimbatore's economy and citizens, not just election cycles.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Perur for work, the traffic situation is my biggest daily headache. It's clear the infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the residential boom. Hope they fast-track Phase Two. The city desperately needs this ring road to be complete.
A
Arun Y
While delays are disappointing, we must also acknowledge the scale and cost of such projects. Rs 368 crore is no small amount. Perhaps there are procedural checks. But transparency is key—the public deserves a clear timeline, not just "awaiting clearance."
K
Karthik V
Typical story. Start with great fanfare, then let projects linger. The article says it all—"unlikely to be taken up before Assembly elections." Development should be continuous, not a poll promise. Coimbatore is an industrial hub; we need better planning.
M
Meera T
Good to hear no toll on the first stretch. Hope they keep the entire road toll-free for local commuters. The purpose is to decongest the city, not create a revenue stream. Let's push for completion without further delays! 🙏

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