Coimbatore Corporation begins culvert and drinking water pipeline works at Lanka Corner

The Coimbatore Corporation has begun works at Lanka Corner junction in the city to lay pipelines under the 24/7 drinking water project and to install a box culvert to improve stormwater drainage.

The civic body has taken up both works simultaneously to avoid repeated excavation at the junction. As part of the drinking water project, a feeder main running from Trichy Road in front of the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital will be connected to another line coming from the State Bank Road. Around 70 metres of pipeline are to be laid for this connection.

The civic body has started installing precast box culverts at the same location as the existing stormwater drain at the junction has been found to be inadequate.

According to a senior Corporation official, stormwater from North Coimbatore, Uppilipalayam and the Race Course area converges at the junction and overflows during heavy rainfall before draining into Valankulam. As the existing drain is inadequate to handle the flow, the Corporation plans to install precast box culverts. The project covers a total length of 45 metres, with excavation work under way for a 10-metre stretch, while the remaining sections will be taken up in phases.

The official said the work is challenging due to the intersection of the box culvert and the feeder main, compounded by the absence of detailed records of underground utilities. Several cables pass through the area, requiring to proceed the work with caution.

Traffic restrictions have been imposed during the work. Vehicles are not being allowed to enter the Lanka Corner junction from State Bank Road. The works are expected to be completed within a week.