Chief Minister Vijay Inaugurates Rs 300-Crore Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday inaugurated the Rs 300-crore Periyar Arivulagam in Gandhipuram, opening the facility to the public and unveiling a statue of social reformer Periyar installed within the premises.

Vijay arrived in Coimbatore on Friday morning and received an enthusiastic welcome from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) members and fans along the 10-km stretch of Avinashi Road, where he held a roadshow en route to the inauguration venue.

Constructed by the Public Works Department on 6.98 acres of land opposite the Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand on Nanjappa Road, the Periyar Arivulagam spans approximately 1.98 lakh square feet, with a ground floor and seven upper floors. The complex has been designed as an integrated public library and science learning centre, with facilities catering to students, researchers, children and the general public.

The ground floor houses a library for persons with disabilities, a 350-seat auditorium and a science centre equipped with scientific instruments. A planetarium and a specially designed space-themed lift simulating a space-travel experience are among its key attractions. The first floor features a reception area and additional science facilities, while the second floor houses a dedicated children's library and reading spaces for visitors who bring their own books.

The third floor accommodates a competitive examination preparation centre, a library and administrative offices. The fourth floor features sections for history books, Tamil literature and periodicals. The fifth and sixth floors house English book collections, English-learning facilities and incubation centres for start-ups, while the seventh floor features a science centre and digital library.

With a planned collection of approximately 1.25 lakh books, alongside digital resources and dedicated learning spaces, the facility is expected to serve as a major knowledge and educational hub for Coimbatore and the wider western region of Tamil Nadu.