Increasing number of vehicles, traffic snarls at peak
hours, and congested roads are an area of concern to all and
Coimbatore’s cry for a comprehensive traffic management system saw
hardly any measure so far.

However, there are signs
of relief for the city’s traffic problems. The Department of Housing and
Urban Development has proposed a Comprehensive Traffic and
Transportation Study for Coimbatore.

K. Phanindra
Reddy, Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, told presspersons here
on Friday that though Coimbatore had a city road plan, it was decided to
go in for a detailed study that would look at improving the public
transport too and options for better traffic management. “It will give a
mobility plan to the city,” he said.

The terms of
reference would be prepared and bids would be called in a month to
identify a consultant for the study. “When we prepare the Master Plan,
we should look at transportation also,” he said. The provisions for
several modes of public transport would be included in it.

The
expanded Coimbatore Local Planning Area proposal was with the
Government. “We are trying to overcome some technicalities,” he said.
The Master Plan preparation for the entire area was on. “We want to come
out with the Master Plan at the earliest.”

Skywalk

Mr.
Reddy said Coimbatore so far collected Rs. 41 crore under the
Infrastructure and Amenities Charges and Rs. 21 crore was spent on road
works.

It was now proposed to have sky walks at two
locations in the city, bus terminals at Vadavalli, Perur,
Periyanaickenpalayam and Madukkarai and truck terminals at
Karumathampatti and Booluvampatti. Land should be identified for the
truck terminals. The Coimbatore Corporation would send the proposal in a
week for a bus terminus at Vadavalli. It also suggested a truck
terminal at Ukkadam. However, a feasibility study would be done for
this. Truck terminals were important as it would decongest the city
roads, he said.