Latest news with #CoimbatoreCorporation
The Hindu
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's plan for 20 EV charging stations sees no progress
More than one year has passed since the Coimbatore Corporation announced a ₹20-crore initiative to establish 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, but the project remains stalled. The only unit set up near VOC Park in June 2024 remains non-operational. Announced in April 2023, the project identified sites in R.S. Puram, Kalapatti, Valankulam, Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram Cross Cut Road, Tidel Park, Periyakulam, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti, and near Brookefields. Tata Power was engaged to install and operate the stations, which were intended to offer round-the-clock fast-charging services with provisions for remote monitoring and digital payments. However, no further progress has been recorded at the remaining locations. 'Public charging infrastructure is rare in and around Coimbatore. Most users rely on home charging. Even where public facilities exist, fast-charging is essential for practical use,' said S. Ambika, an EV user. Barathan Kuppusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Ozotec Automobiles, said that range anxiety remains a significant barrier to adoption. 'Charging stations must be as widespread as fuel outlets. Much of the existing infrastructure is based on European specifications; instead, it should be designed to meet the custom needs of Indian cities. Implementation is further constrained by grid-related challenges such as high-tension line clearance, the need for dedicated feeders, and electricity board-associated costs.' Between January 2024 and July 2025, 6,076 electric two-wheelers and 994 electric cars were registered under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore Central and West Regional Transport Offices. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the project did not take off due to administrative constraints. 'Several firms expressed interest. We have now shortlisted ten locations, including Semmozhi Poonga and D.B. Road parking. A fresh tender will be floated shortly. The Corporation will provide the land, and the selected bidder will handle the infrastructure and operations.'
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's foot overbridge proposal at Gandhipuram and Ukkadam awaits State government approval
The Coimbatore Corporation's plan to construct foot overbridges (FOBs) in Gandhipuram and Ukkadam is awaiting approval from the State government. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been submitted, with an estimated cost of ₹8 crore for each location. Owing to its proximity to Town, Central, and Thiruvalluvar bus termini, Gandhipuram Junction witnesses heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In response, the Corporation has proposed three foot overbridges: one across Bharathiar Road linking the Thiruvalluvar and Town bus stands; another connecting the Town Bus Stand to Cross Cut Road; and a third across Dr. Nanjappa Road providing access to the Central Bus Stand. In Ukkadam, one bridge is planned between the bus stand and Smart City Lake, and another near the proposed second terminal of Ukkadam bus stand. A Corporation official said the DPR was submitted earlier this month, and the project, to be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, will feature staircases, escalators, lifts, and designated space for advertisements. 'We are awaiting administrative sanction from the State government. Work will begin once it is received,' the official said. K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, recalled that a subway had earlier been planned along the Gandhipuram flyover with budgetary allocation, but was dropped by the Highways Department. He welcomed the Corporation's move to build FOBs, but cautioned that permitting advertisements on them could pose a road safety risk by distracting drivers and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
EVs and CNG vehicles to replace old garbage fleet in Coimbatore
Coimbatore Corporation has initiated the gradual replacement of its conventional waste collection vehicles with electric and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered alternatives. This transition is part of the civic body's broader strategy to modernise solid waste management operations and reduce vehicular emissions across the city. A total of 25 electric vehicles (EVs) and 25 CNG vehicles have been procured by the Corporation. Of these, 15 EVs have recently been inducted into service, and the remaining units are expected to be deployed within the next month. According to officials, the new EVs offer an extended operational range of 1,000 to 1,200 hours per full charge and are capable of transporting up to 1.5 tonnes of waste, more than double the 800-kg capacity of the existing vehicles. 'The vehicles require seven to eight hours for a complete charge. With the increased load capacity, we are able to carry out waste removal more efficiently,' a senior Corporation official said. In parallel, the Corporation is in the planning stage of establishing a 250 metric tonne capacity bio-CNG plant at the Vellalore dump yard. 'If the project materialises, we intend to process segregated organic waste to generate bio-CNG. We are also considering applicable subsidies under waste-to-energy schemes,' the official added. The Corporation currently operates 110 three-wheeled vehicles and 815 waste collection trucks. Around 100 of these are awaiting fitness certification, and vehicles over 15 years old are being phased out. 'We are planning to procure an additional 250 vehicles as part of our fleet renewal programme. These will gradually replace ageing vehicles and help improve operational efficiency,' the official said.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Hindu Munnani members detained for staging protest against construction of STP at cremation ground in Coimbatore
Over 150 members of Hindu Munnani were detained on Friday for protesting against the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the cremation ground in Chokkampudur, Coimbatore. The protesters assembled outside the Coimbatore Corporation office at Town Hall, opposing the project on the grounds that the site—located in a densely populated area and directly opposite a private school with over 1,000 students—was inappropriate for a sewage facility. S. Satish, a member of the outfit's state executive committee, said the Corporation continued the work despite petitions to the District Collector and civic officials. Alleging that human remains were exhumed from the site, he accused the Corporation of ignoring public sentiment. He also claimed similar activity at cremation grounds in Kallampalayam and Suganapuram, where sites were reportedly used for garbage segregation. 'Across the State, Hindu cremation grounds are being repurposed for civic projects,,' he alleged. They said the work was rushed despite objections and warned of further protests. The outfit has planned to approach the court, citing religious and emotional concerns over the exhumation. The police said the protest was held without permission, and those who had gathered were detained.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Residents of IOB Colony in Coimbatore want bridge work expedited
Residents of the Shree Daksha Vriddhha Association at IOB Colony (ward 38) in Coimbatore city have appealed to the Corporation Commissioner to expedite construction of a bridge across a wild stream in their area. The bridge was washed away during the rain in November 2023. The Association members contributed ₹25 lakh as their share for reconstruction of the bridge under the Namakku Naame scheme. The work has been halted for more than 45 days now for reasons unknown, they said in a petition to the Commissioner. The bridge was the only connection for the residents living at Shree Daksha Vriddhha to cross the stream. For more than a year now, they are using a temporary passage that they have created nearby. The official from the Coimbatore Corporation denied any delay in the project, stating that the concrete structure requires a standard curing period of 21 days. According to the official, 75% of the work has been completed and the total project cost is ₹97 lakh. The structure measures 8.5 metres in both length and width. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August this year.
