Good news for Coimbatore: CM MK Stalin inaugurates Avinashi Road Flyover; Key details here

This 10.1-kilometer-long, four-lane elevated flyover stretches from Uppilipalayam to Goldwins. It has 305 pillars and 610 bulbs. Approximately 100 civil engineers and 50 electrical engineers worked on the project.

Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated Coimbatore's largest flyover, the Avinashi Road, on 9 October. The flyover is named after the scientific genius and illiterate engineer GD Naidu, also known as 'India's Edison.' Several ministers and officials, including GD Naidu's son GD Gopal and grandson GD Rajkumar, were present at the event. This flyover is considered crucial for improving Coimbatore traffic system.

Flyover Features and Construction Work

This 10.1-kilometer-long, four-lane elevated flyover stretches from Uppilipalayam to Goldwins. It has 305 pillars and 610 bulbs. Approximately 100 civil engineers and 50 electrical engineers worked on the project. Bougainvillea trees have been planted on both sides of the flyover, and drip irrigation is available through the Sirutuli system. Construction began in 2020 during the AIADMK regime and was completed during the DMK regime, at a total cost of Rs 1,791 crore.

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Naming Controversy: Why Name After GD Naidu?

Due to political maneuvering, Chief Minister Stalin decided to name the flyover after GD Naidu, a great scientist and industrialist from Coimbatore. It was initially planned to name it after his father, Karunanidhi, but opposition led to a change in the proposal. G.D. Naidu established several social and educational initiatives for Coimbatore and was therefore awarded this honor.

GD Naidu: A Brief Introduction

GD Naidu was born on March 3, 1893, in Kalangal village, Coimbatore. He began working at a young age and built the first petrol-powered bus, considered the first in South India. He later founded the United Motor Company, which became India's largest bus company. He promoted education for the poor and donated free funds to the government, building a women's polytechnic college. His innovations were also recognized in Germany, and Hitler praised him.

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Local Reaction And The Way Forward

Local leader Seeman has objected to the caste-based naming and demanded the name of the flyover after Dheeran Chinnamalai, a hero of the Kongu region. Despite this, naming this massive flyover after GD Naidu is considered a matter of pride for the region. This project will revitalize Coimbatore's transportation system and provide a great convenience to the people here.