The transfer of the Coimbatore Western Bypass project from the Highways (Construction & Maintenance) wing to the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority (TANSHA) during the implementation has affected its progress.

K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said the decision has not only brought the project to a virtual standstill but has also raised serious public concerns regarding the proposal to convert this public infrastructure into a toll road.

“More than one year has elapsed since the administrative transfer. Unfortunately, there is not even an inch of progress,” he said. While land has been acquired for the second phase, the Authority plans to conduct a Detailed Feasibility Report.

The 32.43-km Coimbatore Western Bypass was originally conceived in 2007 and divided into three phases. Phase I (11.80 km) from Madukkarai Mailkal to Sellampalayam is opened to the public. For the second phase (12.10 km) from Sellampalayam to Kanuvai, more than 90% of the land acquisition process is done by the Highways (C&M) Wing. The C&M wing has estimated the development cost to be ₹368 crore. At such an advanced stage, the TANSHA took over and has proposed a fresh feasibility study.

The transfer of the project to TANSHA has given rise to a widespread perception that the primary objective is to introduce toll collection, which is inconsistent with the State government’s repeated public stand advocating removal of toll plazas on National Highways within Tamil Nadu and reducing the financial burden on road users.

The administrative transfer made in April 2025 has pushed the future of Phase II into uncertainty after spending huge money on acquisition of land for the project.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay should restore the execution of Phases II and III of the Coimbatore Western Bypass to the Highways (Construction & Maintenance) Wing and commence the devleopment work immediately, he said.