Phase-III of forming a new from Panjapur to Karur Bypass runs into trouble due to inordinate delay in land acquisition.

The link road, which is aimed at decongesting the city traffic, is being developed along the banks of the Koraiyar and the Kudamuriti, connecting the Integrated Bus Terminus in Panjapur with several residential areas of the city. It is being executed at an estimate of ₹483.72 crore.

In order to complete the project early, the Tiruchi City Corporation divided it into three phases. The phase-I covers two km from Panjapur to Karumandapam and it is being implemented at a cost of ₹81.72 crore, Phase-II covers 2.260 km from Woraiyur to Karur Bypass and it is being executed with an outlay of ₹68 crore. Phase-III will cover 5.85 km from Karumandapam to Woraiyur at ₹334 crore.

Of the three phases, phase-I and phase-II are progressing well. However, there is no progress in phase-II. It covers the longest stretch, running along the banks of the Koraiyar and the Kudamuruti rivers. The civic body had initially earmarked about 20 acres for land acquisition for this section. However, following objections from residents, the civic body revised the plan and reduced the land requirement to about 1.80 acres. It is estimated that it might cost ₹25 crore towards compensation for landowners.

Although a proposal to that effect was sent to the government, seeking funds for compensation, official sources said that it was yet to be considered. The current financial position of the Corporation does not bode well to allocate funds for meeting the land acquisition cost.

The project was initiated by Tiruchi West MLA K.N. Nehru when he was the Minister for Municipal Administration in the DMK government. The project continues to throw up issues. With the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government assuming office, it is said that the execution of the phase-III of the project might take time. An official added that there would be no major issues in executing the phase-I and phase-II of the project. They would be completed within 2026.