Latest news with #ThanthaiPeriyarLibraryandScienceCentre
New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Avinashi road flyover to be ready before August 15: PWD Minister
COIMBATORE: The pending works of the elevated flyover on Avinashi road will be completed before August 15, said EV Velu, State Minister of Public Works Department here on Saturday. The building of subways on the stretch of flyover will be considered, if necessary, after consulting engineers, he further said while addressing the media after inspecting the ongoing works of the Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre on the Central Prison grounds in Gandhipuram. The minister made the statement after a reporter pointed out that there has been no work on the subways yet though five subways have been proposed along the 10-kilometre-long stretch for pedestrian safety. Velu said the matter will be considered after the works on the up and down ramps of the flyover are completed. The Rs 1,621.30-crore flyover project, which began in December 2020, is being executed by the Special Projects Wing of the State Highways Department to ease traffic congestion on the busy Avinashi Road stretch between Uppilipalayam and Chinniyampalayam. "The delay in completing the works is due to getting approval from the Railways at Hopes College Junction. The work on one out of the eight down ramp has been hit by a legal hurdle. We are in the process of addressing it legally," the minister clarified. Meanwhile, the works on the Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre is in full swing with the district administration and the PWD conducting frequent inspections in a bid to finish them at the earliest. Chief Minister MK Stalin had earlier announced in the State Assembly the facility will be ready before next Pongal, i.e., in January 2026. "Currently, the fifth floor is being constructed, and the sixth and seventh floors will be taken up soon. This is my fifth inspection to ensure the work is being constructed with quality. Works will be carried out as per the schedule. We are considering increasing the seating capacity of the indoor stadium in the library," the minister added.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Avinashi Road flyover will be ready by Aug 15: Minister
Photo by P Sreedharan COIMBATORE: Work on the Avinashi Road flyover would be completed by Aug 15, minister for public works E V Velu said on Saturday. The minister inspected work on the flyover stretching from Uppilipalayam to Goldwins. He also inspected work on the Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre in Gandhipuram. The minister said work on the flyover was progressing well. 'Once it is completed, subways may be constructed, if necessary, for pedestrians to cross the road (below the flyover),' he told reporters. Speaking about the construction of the Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre, he said the building would have seven floors, excluding the ground floor. Currently, work on the sixth and seventh floors is under way. 'Quality control engineers are regularly monitoring the construction to ensure it meets standards, and the project is expected to be completed by December,' he said. The library would house books in various categories, including Tamil, English, and general subjects, along with resources for students preparing for competitive exams. 'An auditorium is also being constructed, and a review is under way to increase its seating capacity from the current 350 seats," he said. Drishti bommai pictures removed Two 'drishti bommai' pictures were spotted at the library construction site. The installation of drishti bommais at the site drew criticism from rationalist groups. When asked about them, the minister said, 'I am a Periyarist. I do not support such practices. The contractor may have installed the pictures due to personal beliefs. The govt did not instruct anyone to place them. Once the work is over, these pictures will be removed from the site.' Following the backlash, the contractor removed the pictures from the construction site in the evening.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre taking shape at brisk pace in Coimbatore
Construction of the Thanthai Periyar Library and Science Centre in Coimbatore city is progressing at a brisk pace, with nearly 30% of the work completed. The new facility, coming up at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore, will cover 1,98,000 sq. ft. across seven floors on 6.98 acres of the central prison grounds near the Gandhipuram Town Bus Stand. The Public Works Department (PWD) is overseeing the project. Of the total budget, ₹245 crore has been allocated for construction works, ₹50 crore for procuring books and e-books, and ₹5 crore for digital infrastructure. The foundation for the library was laid by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in November last year. A senior PWD official stated that close to 30 % of the work is complete and said that the project is on schedule for January 2026. 'In view of the approaching monsoon season, we are planning to complete as much of the structural work as possible and will begin interior works on the finished floors simultaneously,' the official added. Planning for the science centre's installations is under way, including a unique space lift designed to simulate a space shuttle experience. Several other exhibits are also being finalised. According to the floor-wise plan, the ground floor will accommodate an auditorium alongside part of the science centre. The first floor will expand the science centre facilities further. The second floor is dedicated to a children's library and a section for competitive examination preparation. The third floor will be designed to serve persons with disabilities and will house the office of the chief librarian. The fourth floor will contain the Tamil literature section and a designated area for visitors to bring and read their own books. The fifth floor will continue the Tamil literature collection and include an incubation centre aimed at supporting startups and innovation. The sixth floor will store back issues of journals and host an additional incubation centre. The seventh floor will feature the main science centre exhibits, alongside the English literature section and a digital library, providing a comprehensive resource hub for diverse academic needs.
