Western Ring Road is almost ready for 11km; travel time from Mylkal to Madukkarai to come down to 10-15 minutes from 45 minutes

COIMBATORE: The first phase of the much-awaited Western Ring Road is almost complete and is likely to be opened for the public in Feb, easing traffic congestion on the city roads and saving significant time for commuters travelling to the Isha Yoga Centre, Kovai Kutralam and other destinations on Siruvani Road.The 32.43-km long Western Ring Road, also known as the Western Bypass, is designed to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city centre by bypassing congested areas such as Ukkadam, Gandhipuram and Town Hall. Road construction from Mylkal to Madukkarai in phase-I officially began on Aug 11, 2023, and the work was inaugurated by minister E V Velu.“The construction work is completed between Mylkal and Madampatti. Safety work is being carried out on the stretch and is expected to be completed in a few days. Around 13 small bridges are constructed over waterways in phase-I. The grade separator bridge at Thondamuthur is also completed. However, the grade separator flyover work at Mylkal is still under way and is expected to be completed by the end of Feb or early March,” said an official attached to the state highways department.The official said the stretch would benefit commuters travelling from the city towards Siruvani Road as well as long-distance travellers from other districts and states.“At present, many are travelling to the Isha Yoga Centre at Poondi, Karunya and Kovai Kutralam via Kovaipudur, Sundakkamuthur or through Athupalam, Ukkadam and Perur. The journey often takes more than 45 minutes. Once the phase-I becomes operational, commuters are expected to cover the 11-km stretch in about 15 minutes. The road is also expected to decongest the city and ensure smoother traffic flow by providing an easier route for vehicles,” the official said.Pointing out that tourist attractions such as Isha Yoga Centre, Kovai Kutralam and other places on Siruvani Road often attract a large crowd, R Rajasekar, 33, a taxi driver, said “It takes nearly an hour to reach such places as the city roads are always busy and congested. During weekends and festival times, traffic is packed. This road will ease travel for many people, including regular commuters like me.”Meanwhile, 99% of the land acquisition is completed for phase-II of the bypass, a 12.10km stretch from Madampatti to Somayampalayam. About 134.7 acres of land parcel is required for the second phase, and another 90 acres for the third phase. Construction work will begin for the next phase as soon as the land acquisition process is over,” the official said.