Tue Oct 14 15:26:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The Tamil Nadu State Highways Department is nearing completion of the first phase of the western bypass project in Coimbatore, expected by mid-November 2025. This phase, costing ₹250 crore, connects Madukkarai to Madhampatti and includes significant infrastructure improvements. However, the project’s transfer to the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority raises concerns about potential delays, as voiced by the Coimbatore Consumer Cause. The western bypass project, conceived in 2006, has been a long-standing demand of the city.
**News Article:**
**Coimbatore Western Bypass First Phase Nears Completion, Concerns Raised Over Project Transfer**
**COIMBATORE, October 14, 2025** – The first phase of the long-awaited western bypass project in Coimbatore is on track for completion by mid-November, according to the State Highways Department. The ₹250 crore project, spanning from Madukkarai (Mayilkal) to Madhampatti, includes the construction of a four-lane road, 13 minor bridges, two flyovers, three bus terminals, and junction improvements. 137 acres of land was acquired, including government and private lands.
The project, which began in 2023, has been a source of anticipation for Coimbatore residents since it was first proposed in 2006. Minister for Highways and Public Works E.V. Velu and Minister for Housing S. Muthusamy had previously launched the works for the first phase.
However, the Department’s decision to transfer the remaining phases of the project to the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority has raised concerns among local advocacy groups. K. Kathirmathiyon, Secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, warns that the shift could lead to delays, especially given reports of unappointed officials to the authority in Coimbatore. Kathirmathiyon stressed that there should be special attention to this project as one phase is getting completed.
“There is a risk of the project being stalled or permanently halted when transferred between agencies,” Kathirmathiyon stated. He suggested the government should entrust only new projects to the authority, if the Highways Department will complete the existing project.
Despite the concerns, the State Highways Department assures that land acquisition for the remaining phases is underway. Whether the transition to the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority will ensure the timely completion of this crucial infrastructure project remains to be seen.
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