Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) The nearing completion of Phase One of Coimbatore's Western Ring Road has provided a temporary respite for drivers, yet the holdup in sanctioning funds for Phase Two has introduced doubts regarding the project's ultimate goal of relieving city congestion.

With administrative approval for the next segment still pending, worries are escalating that traffic jams along the western corridor could linger for several years.

Despite numerous requests from the State Highways Department, the Tamil Nadu government has yet to authorize or allocate funds for Phase Two. This setback has halted all preparatory work, even as vehicle numbers soar in the western suburbs, which are rapidly expanding both residentially and commercially.

Phase One, extending about 11.8 km from Mylkal to Madampatti, is approaching its final stages of completion.

Outstanding tasks include lane markings, the installation of reflectors and warning signs, and the setup of streetlights. Several completed segments have already been informally opened to traffic, showcasing the road's potential to facilitate smoother travel.

This first phase was executed at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore and traverses through Madukkarai, Sundakkamuthur, Perur Chettipalayam, Theethipalayam, and Madampatti. Construction started in August 2023, following the state government’s prior approval of Rs 320 crore for land acquisition across all three phases of the 31-km ring road.

Initially, Phase One was slated for completion by August 2025, with Phase Two anticipated to kick off the following month. However, construction delays have shifted this timeline, and the lack of financial clearance has further stalled progress.

Phase Two, which will cover a 12.1-km stretch from Madampatti to Somayampalayam, is estimated to cost Rs 368 crore. This segment will pass through Perur, West Chithirai Chavadi, Kallikanaicken Palayam, Vadavalli, and Somayampalayam—areas already facing increasing traffic pressures.

The proposal for this phase was submitted in September-October of last year and is still pending approval.

Sources indicate that Phase Two may be executed through the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority and is unlikely to commence before the Assembly elections.

A decision regarding toll collection for the entire Western Ring Road will be made only after finalizing all phases, although officials have confirmed that no toll will be charged on the first 11-km stretch.

Once fully operational, the Western Ring Road is expected to dramatically transform traffic flow in Coimbatore by redirecting heavy and long-distance vehicles away from the city center, alleviating pressure on main roads, and enhancing overall urban mobility.