Work in progress to level the surface along the Sanganoor canal near Kannappa Nagar in Coimbatore city for road formation.
| Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY
The Coimbatore Corporation has begun road-laying work as part of the Sanganoor canal revamp project, which aims to remove encroachments, restore the canal’s width, and create roads on both sides.
The first package of the project, estimated at ₹49 crore, covers a 2.5-km stretch from Mettupalayam Road to Rathinapuri bridge. Retaining walls have been constructed on both sides along the entire stretch, setting the canal’s width at 13 metres after the removal of encroachments, mostly residential.
As the railway line crosses the canal, the road cannot be laid from Mettupalayam Road to Kannappa Nagar. Officials said constructing a flyover or underpass was unnecessary, so the road work has been taken up beyond the railway track.
Road-laying covers 1.5 km from Kannappa Nagar bridge (locally known as Pudhu Palam) to Rathinapuri bridge. About 300 metres on the left side have been tarred, and work is under way to demolish remaining structures to pave a 5.5-metre-wide road. Once completed, similar work will begin on the right side. The first package is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The project also includes a steel fence over the retaining wall and streetlights along the new road. The completed stretch will be opened for vehicular movement after work is finished.
About 250 families living in encroached houses along this stretch have been allotted alternative housing through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board in areas such as Sidhapudur, Sulur, and Keeranatham.
For the remaining length from Rathinapuri to Trichy Road, the Corporation has sought ₹235 crore and submitted the proposal to the Directorate of Municipal Administration for approval.
The Sanganoor canal, which runs from Thadagam, passes through key parts of the city. The revamp work begins from Mettupalayam Road, with road-laying starting at Kannappa Nagar and continuing along the canal as it passes Sathyamangalam Road, Avinashi Road, Sowripalayam, and connects to Trichy Road. Once completed, roads on both sides will be designated as one-way routes to ease traffic flow, officials said.
Published – November 05, 2025 07:44 pm IST
