Widening of the 26.2-km Neelambur bypass in Coimbatore that was taken over by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) last June is getting delayed with no progress in shifting of the fuel pipelines of the public sector companies and the detailed project report awaiting approval.

The bypass, which was the first toll-based road project in the country, was taken over by the NHAI as there is a dire need to widen it to reduce accidents. The four-lane road has almost 50,000 vehicles using it every day and is a critical stretch that connects Tamil Nadu to Kerala border.

The detailed project report estimates the project cost to be ₹1,799 crore to cover the road into a six-lane plus service lane road and will take 2.5 years to be completed.

Though there were plans to invite bids for the widening works before the Assembly elections in the State, there has not been much progress.

There are major fuel lines that pass under the main carriageway. It is risky as the usage of the road is high and there can be hazardous leaks if the road is damaged. Multiple talks with the public sector companies have not seen progress. Hence, the NHAI chairman will soon write to the secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas, an official source added.

The road currently has one toll plaza at Madukkarai and it is likely to be retained.

Some of the associations in Coimbatore have urged the Central government and the NHAI to expedite the road widening works.