The Hindu 21.01.2010
Corporation plans to improve amenities in Race Course area
Special Correspondent
| It will consider expressions of interest from private parties |
Private parties to develop roadside parks under design, build, operate and transfer scheme
Energy-saving lights to be installed to illuminate both walkers’ track and Race Course Road
Photo: S. Siva Saravanan 
IMPROVEMENTS IN STORE: The Corporation plans to re-lay the walkers’ track and create roadside parks to beautify Race Course in the city. —
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore Corporation is planning a total facelift to the public amenities at Race Course in the city, where the famous walkers’ track and some spaces nearby are fitness zones for a large number of people.
The Corporation wants the track re-laid and roadside parks developed by private parties under a design, build, operate and transfer scheme.
Track
The walkers’ track has concrete pavement blocks. Earlier, it had a tar top.
Now, the Corporation will look for the best option in the expressions of interest that it has invited from private parties.
The Corporation also wants energy-saving lamps to be installed and maintained along the 2.5 km circular walkers’ track.
At present, 70 sodium vapour lamps have been installed along the track.
Now, the Corporation looks to have ornamental energy-saving lights at every 90 feet so that both the track and the Race Course Road are illuminated well.
The lights should be installed as per the instructions of the Corporation and the private parties will operate and maintain these.
The green spaces, areas where the public will be allowed and the others they will not have access to will be clearly demarcated.
Advertisement boards can be put up along the walkers’ track and on street light poles as per the guidelines of the Tamil Nadu Hoardings Act, 1938.
According to the Corporation, companies that are into advertising, landscaping or eco-system management can take up the works.
Companies
An official said on Tuesday that two companies had submitted expression of interest to the Corporation.
The Technical Advisory Committee of the Corporation that consisted of officials including the Superintending Engineer and City Engineer, would scrutinise these and decide on the basis of the bid amount and the experience of the private parties in creating similar facilities elsewhere.
