Coimbatore Corporation plans to build 4 foot over bridges in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Corporation is planning to build four foot-over bridges –- three in Gandhipuram and one in Ukkadam – at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore to ensure safety of pedestrians.

A detailed project report for the FOBs has been sent to the state govt for approval. "This will be implemented in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode," an official said.

In Gandhipuram, a 55-metre-long FOB across the Dr Nanjappa Road will connect the Coimbatore Corporation town bus stand with the Crosscut Road. A 40-metre-long FOB across the Bharathiyar Road will connect the town bus stand with the SETC bus stand. A 40- metre-long FOB across the Dr Nanjappa Road will connect the Central Bus Stand (mofussil bus stand) with the upcoming Semmozhi Park on the Central prison grounds.

In Ukkadam, an L-shaped and 120-metre-long FOB will connect the town bus stand on the Perur Bypass Road with the mofussil bus stand on the Sungam Bypass Road.

According to a corporation officer, around 3,000 to 4,000 footfalls are recorded in each of these crossings during peak hours every day.

"The proposed FOBs will reduce road accidents. The proposal has been put forth only after carrying out a joint inspection with the former collector, the city police commissioner and highway officials," the officer said.

Commenting on the need for foot-over bridges (FOB) in these locations, city deputy commissioner of police (traffic) S Ashok Kumar told TOI, "Addressing pedestrian safety is very important. A total of 102 pedestrians were killed in accidents in the city in 2024 while 22 pedestrians were killed in the first three month of the current year."

"Apart from Ukkadam and Gandhipuram, locations like Citra, Sungam, Lakshmi Mills, Singanallur should also have FOBs. The main point is that FOB with steps will often become a failure. Hence these should be designed with lifts with a capacity of carrying at least 15 people at a time," he added.