TN Revenue Department Refuses to Part With Land for Railways Project on Road Widening.

The Revenue department has decided not to provide land for the widening of the narrow path between Collectorate and office of the Superintendent of Police, as proposed by the Railways to streamline traffic in front of the Coimbatore railway station and develop an alternate entry.

When contacted by Express, a revenue official said that there was only limited space near the path and already construction of a new building was underway. 'We are unable to provide the land to the Railways. The decision was taken after conducting a detailed stud'y on the proposal and considering all aspects of it, the official added.

Coimbatore railway station is the second largest in the Southern Railway zone. But its main entry is always overcrowded with parked vehicles, passengers and taxis, leading to frequent traffic snarls.

In an effort to ease traffic, the Railways had requested the Revenue department on December 26, 2014, to provide a patch of land for widening the narrow road between Collectorate and SP Office to develop an alternate entry with a parking spot, ticket counter and all the necessary facilities.

At present, the road is three metres wide and spreads over 766 sq.m. The plan was to widen the road to seven meters after acquiring 761 sq.m of land adjacent to the road, owned by the Revenue department.

When contacted Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division Shubranshu told Express that Railways has not received any communication so far. However, he said that widening of the road is the only alternate to decongest traffic in front of the station.

Asked about the possibility of developing the Coimbatore North Junction as the second terminal as an alternate solution, the DRM said, 'We are in the process of developing the Coimbatore North junction. However, it will not put an end to the traffic woes at the main junction. If the Revenue department cannot provide the land we will look into other possibilities for the benefit of passengers.'

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS