₹102 cr sought for Marappalam underpass work

Vehicles being forced to take long detour due to project delay; State Highways dept submits proposal to TN govt

- R KIRUBAKARAN @ Coimbatore

THE Projects Wing of the State Highways Department has submitted a proposal to the state government requesting ₹102.3 crore to develop the Marappalam railway underpass on the Coimbatore-Palakkad main road at Madukkarai.

Responding to public demand, the work to widen the underpass began in May after traffic was diverted. However, locals have alleged that the work is progressing at a slow pace. It is hoped with adequate funds the planned works can be fast-tracked.

The underpass expansion involves the relaying of the railway tracks over the underpass and land acquisition for widening the carriageway.

The funds will be utilised for widening the access road to four lanes to better manage traffic flow in future and also for land acquisition.