Tender for Thaneerpandal rail over-bridge in Coimbatore to be floated soon

Coimbatore: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) and the Rural Roads Wing of the State Highways Department are set to float tenders for the construction of the rail over-bridge at Thaneerpandal near Hope College on April 9. The State Highways Department has received a revised administrative sanction for Rs40.7 crore for the project. The long-awaited rail over-bridge is expected to become operational within 18 months from the date of commencing the construction.

The rail over-bridge between Singanallur and Peelamedu railway stations on Thaneerandal Road was announced nearly two decades ago, when a govt order was passed in 2006. However, the project faced delays, with the construction beginning only after 2011. After the initial progress, the construction has been pending for more than 10 years, primarily due to legal issues surrounding land acquisition.

The railway department, however, completed its part of the rail over-bridge deck across Thaneerpandal level crossing more than six years ago. But the ramps on both ends that were supposed to be completed by the State Highways Department were not completed.

A State Highways official said the construction might take a little more than 18 months if there was a need to relocate electricity lines and other utilities.

Regarding land acquisition, the official cited delays in the land registration process. "Approximately 90% of the land acquisition and registration along the Thaneerpandal Road has been completed. However, we are still facing challenges towards Avinashi Road and those are being addressed. Additionally, a payment demand of Rs1.35 crore has been made to the city corporation for the relocation of utilities, particularly the water supply line. Once these issues are resolved, construction work could proceed without further delays."