Ukkadam flyover: all set for works to start

With the foundation laid for the Ukkadam flyover work, the departments concerned have started work for an alternative road till the works are completed, recovering the land identified for the project, and shifting of the utility lines.

Officials of the State Highways Department said the four-lane flyover from Vincent Road junction to Karumbukkadai junction would be constructed at a total cost of ₹216 crore. It would have a down loop opposite Vincent Road (old fish market area) and a two-lane from Naaz Theatre to Vincent Road.

The cost for land acquisition and utility line shifting alone would be ₹80.61 crore. The total land required was 3.4 acres.

As many as 28 shops were removed and about 60 dwelling units of washermen and another 72 of health workers in old fish market area would be demolished and they would be given houses by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board. Washermen would be given an alternative site close to Ukkadam bus stand for washing clothes. Four or five large-scale companies in Coimbatore own substantial land in the area and they were expected to give the consent letter in a day or two for prior entry permission.

The power lines would be taken underground and water pipelines would be shifted.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 30 months. Meanwhile the department is marking the area for construction work to start. The sub-soil exploration already done would be verified. The civil works are expected to commence in a month.