Coimbatore development projects only on paper

COIMBATORE: Driving through the small stretch between Athupalam Toll Plaza and Ukkadam Bus Stand continues to remain an ordeal for people entering the city from Palakkad and Pollachi. Vehicles move at a snail's pace on this route because of the toll gate and thriving illegal constructions opposite the Ukkadam lake bunds. Owners of buildings and shops in the area vehemently oppose expansion and thus the district administration evolved an alternative plan last year to build an over-bridge from Ukkadam junction to Athupalam junction to ease congestion.Residents who frequent this route were elated when the district collector announced the project last year but nothing has happened so far. The proposal gathers dust in government files while the congestion on the route continues to grow.
It is the same situation in the case of a flyover proposed in the busy Gandhipuram Junction. This project was also shelved due to opposition from local traders, who fear it would affect their commercial interests. As a result, Gandhipuram is now choking with vehicles while motorists taking deviations to Sathyamangalam, Mettupalayam and Salem are feeling the heat. Driving through 100-feet -road in Gandhipuram also remains troublesome because of the huge high tension electric towers in the middle of the road. A proposal to run the lines underground to ease traffic is caught in red tape. Other projects caught in red tape include the renovation of Selvapuram-Puttuveeki-Kovaipudur road to decongest Palakkad Highway.
Infrastructure development in Coimbatore continues to be stalled by red tap because of a variety of reasons. The insensitive political class and bureaucracy contribute to the delays. Although many development schemes were announced last year, not much has happened," said K Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause. The much hyped airport expansion has gone nowhere as there was no serious effort to acquire required land. Lapses in land acquisition are now delaying completion of the gauge conversion on the Coimbatore-Pollachi rail route, he added.
Promises of building multi-level parking facilities in the city remained on paper for the last seven years. The Western Bypass Road connecting Palakkad Road with Mettupalayam Road also remains only on paper. During the DMK regime, consultants were appointed for this project and a detailed project report was prepared and approved. But nothing happened after that. The new AIADMK Government chose to start the project from scratch.
Regular water supply still remains a distant dream. With the expansion of corporation limits, the new areas face severe water crisis and there are no plans on the cards to resolve the issue.
According to M Kandhaswami, former president of Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, it is a matter of concern that Coimbatore does not see the completion of several development projects. The power crisis further delays such projects, he said. He feels it is essential for the government to intervene to solve these issues.
M Krishnan, former president of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the new year should begin with positive work. If trade and industry has to flourish, the long pending demand for international airport should be addressed. The government should develop infrastructure in this region to attract investment and create job opportunities.