Coimbatore: A railway overhead bridge construction which was planned in 2010 under the Government plan with a budget of 23 crores on the way to SIHS colony in Singanallur was stalled owing to the power change in 2011.
Coimbatore: Over 500 cadres including MP P R Natarajan and MLA N Karthik of the Secular Progressive Alliance courted arrest on Thursday for staging an agitation condemning the undue delay in completing the over bridge work at Singanallur, here.
A railway overhead bridge at SIHS Colony near Singanallur was planned in 2010 with a budget of Rs. 23 crores. In 2011, after there was a change in regime, the project was allegedly delayed due to confusion in procuring land. Over a period, the project was halted due to compensation not being granted for those who had given their land.
However, after a brief halt, the construction work commenced in 2013 which is yet to be completed. The snail pace work has inconvenienced the residents of Nethajipuram, Tamil Nadu Housing Board Colony, Ganga Nagar, Kaveri Nagar and Thiru VK Nagar.
Even after several petitions and protests, the concerned officials initiated no action to finish the pending work to open the bridge for public use.
Condemning the callousness of the officials, the members of the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the newly-elected MP, P R Natarajan and MLA Karthick staged a massive agitation. The protestors raised slogans against the State government and the authorities for turning a blind eye to the issue.
They alleged that the ruling State government is purposefully delaying the project as it was kick-started during the 2011 DMK regime. The protestors also pointed out that proper compensation and agreement must be made with the concerned people for the usage of service road facilities, as well.
The irked protestors apprised that if the government does not pay heed, another massive protest will be held with the help of the people.
Citing lack of permission and causing public disturbance, the police arrested all the protestors including MP P R Natarajan. Tense moments prevailed in the SIHS colony area since the MP was arrested.