Coimbatore corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran announced on Saturday that construction work on proposed foot overbridges (FOBs) will begin this month. The projects target three key locations: Lakshmi Mills Junction, Gandhipuram, and Ukkadam.
Focus on Pedestrian Safety
The primary goal of these new foot overbridges is to improve pedestrian movement and safety across busy junctions. Commissioner Prabakaran emphasized the corporation's commitment to creating safer walking environments for residents.
Lakshmi Mills Junction FOB
The foot overbridge at Lakshmi Mills Junction will receive funding through corporate social responsibility contributions from G Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital. This FOB will include an elevator for accessibility.
However, the exact design and installation point for this structure remain undecided. A coordinated inspection involving state highways, city police, and corporation officials will convene soon to finalize these details.
Gandhipuram Project Details
At Gandhipuram, the corporation plans to construct three separate foot overbridges:
- A 55-meter-long bridge across Dr Nanjappa Road connecting Town Bus Stand with Crosscut Road
- A 40-meter-long bridge across Bharathiyar Road connecting Town Bus Stand with Thiruvalluvar Bus Stand
- A 40-meter-long bridge across Dr Nanjappa Road connecting Central Bus Stand with Semmozhi Park
The Directorate of Municipal Administration has suggested design modifications for both Gandhipuram and Ukkadam projects. Revised designs will be submitted to DMA in the coming week.
Ukkadam Infrastructure
In Ukkadam, planners have designed a 120-meter-long L-shaped foot overbridge. This structure will connect two bus terminals currently under construction at the site.
Funding and Implementation
The Gandhipuram and Ukkadam projects will proceed under public-private partnership arrangements. Each project carries an estimated cost of eight crore rupees.
Private partners will receive operational and maintenance rights for a minimum period of ten years. Despite design changes requested by DMA, initial cost estimates for these two projects remain unchanged.
Commissioner Prabakaran confirmed that all three foot overbridge projects will be expedited once final approvals are secured. The corporation aims to address long-standing pedestrian safety concerns at these heavily trafficked junctions through this infrastructure initiative.
