The NHAI is set to take over control and maintenance of two national highways currently overseen by the NH wing of the State Highways Department in Coimbatore. Failure to hand over within 15 days will result in suspension of maintenance funds within 30 days.

Highways identified:

• Trichy Road (NH 81): 115 km long, connects Coimbatore with Karur
• Sathyamangalam Road (NH 948): 120 km long, extends toward Mysore and Bengaluru

State Highways Department currently maintains four major stretches in the district: Trichy Road, Mettupalayam Road, Sathyamangalam Road and Pollachi Road.

Under revised arrangement: NHAI will manage roads above four-lane classification; State Highways Department will continue managing four-lane and smaller roads.

K Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, welcomed the move, citing inconsistencies in national highway works and poor quality under State Department control (examples: Periyanayakkanpalayam flyover, Saibaba Colony flyover). He noted union funds released by Road Transport and Highways Ministry were controlled by State Department for implementation.

Current transfers are first phase only. Mettupalayam Road and Avinashi Road may be taken over by NHAI in next phase.

Expected outcomes: improved maintenance quality and faster project execution.