COIMBATORE: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to complete its final Detailed Land Plan Schedule (LPS) for the Coimbatore Metro project, estimating to finalize asset valuations for two proposed corridors within two months.
This project includes Corridor-1, which extends from Ukkadam Bus Stand to Coimbatore Airport near Neelambur, and Corridor-2, running from Coimbatore Junction to Valiyampalayam Privu. The total length of both corridors is 40 km, with an estimated cost of ₹10,740 crore.
Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P Rajkumar and Corporation Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran provided a project update to the media on Tuesday.
Rajkumar mentioned that an urgent LPS for the 1.4 km stretch between Tex Tools Bridge and Suriya Hospital has been prepared and submitted to CMRL for validation. “This stretch has been a bottleneck. The required land was originally designated as 20m wide but has now been revised to 30m following the LPS completion, as it has long been encroached upon, leading to congestion,” he noted.
According to Sivaguru Prabakaran, the 1.4 km stretch will require 2.28 acres of private land and 0.58 acres of government land for highway expansion and the Metro project.
An official stated that the primary LPS covering the total 40 km of both corridors is complete, and the administrative sanction documents have been sent to CMRL for next steps. The secondary phase of the detailed LPS is underway, expected to be finished within a week. This phase evaluates which properties need to be removed, the amount of land required, and classifies it for submission along with a topographical design. The final stage includes asset valuation, where field officers will inspect and verify all properties listed in the LPS, document details like ownership, structure type, and materials used. The final report for both corridors is anticipated to be completed in the next two months.
A report from the corporation confirmed that a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey for underground utilities has been completed and approved by CMRL. Additionally, primary topographical surveys using Mobile LiDAR and drones for above-surface features have also been concluded and validated by CMRL.
Concerning the proposed double-decker construction along Avinashi Road from Goldwins to Neelambur over a 5 km stretch, the commissioner stated, “Currently, we have two proposals: one is to build a single deck on the left side of Avinashi Road. However, if we choose to opt for a double-decker that diverts at Goldwins, we will need clearance from the Airport Authority. A study for both options is underway and may be subject to adjustments based on decisions from higher authorities.”
The corporation is also planning to set up a Metro Rail project office in the western zone of the city.
