Coimbatore civic body proposes major expansion plan
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Coimbatore civic body proposes major expansion plan

The Coimbatore City Corporation has proposed a merger plan to the Tamil Nadu state government, which, if approved, would make it the largest civic body in the state. The proposal involves merging one municipality, four town panchayats, and 11 village panchayats with the existing city limits, increasing its administrative area from 257.04 square kilometers to 438.54 square kilometers. This expansion would surpass the size of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which currently spans 426 square kilometers.

The proposed merger includes the addition of Kurudampalayam, Somayampalayam, Perur Chettipalayam, Keeranatham, Neelambur, Mylampatti, Pattanam, Vellanaipatti, Kallipalayam, Chinniyampalayam, and Seerapalayam village panchayats, as well as Irugur, Perur, Pallapalayam, and Vellalore town panchayats, and Madukkarai municipality.

City Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran emphasised that the list is tentative and subject to change until an official order is received. Mayor K. Ranganayaki mentioned that the list was initially prepared ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and has now been finalised. If the proposal is approved, 50 new wards will be added to the current 100 wards, expanding the civic body’s administrative reach.

The proposal has generated mixed reactions among elected representatives and residents of the areas being considered for inclusion. Some are concerned about potential tax hikes and reduced local representation, while others welcome the move, anticipating better infrastructure and development.

Jagadeesh, a councilor from Madukkarai, expressed opposition to the proposal, noting that since its upgrade to a municipality in 2021, property taxes and building plan charges have already increased. He fears further hikes if the merger goes through and argued that the reduction in the number of local ward councilors from 27 to just two would decrease public representation.

Similarly, G. Jeyakumar, Vice President of Irugur town panchayat, recalled that similar proposals were made in 2006 and 2010 but were successfully opposed. However, considering the area’s recent rapid development, including plans for an international cricket stadium and airport expansion, Jeyakumar now believes merging with the corporation could be beneficial.

In contrast, residents like B. Kumar from Keeranatham village panchayat voiced concerns over losing direct access to local representatives and an increase in taxes without corresponding improvements in services.

On the other hand, Deepam Swaminathan, Coordinator of Coimbatore South Development Federation, cited Kurichi municipality’s successful merger in 2011 as an example. After joining the corporation, Kurichi saw significant infrastructure improvements, including road expansion, enhanced street lighting, better water supply, and ongoing drainage work. He believes the proposed merger could similarly benefit the newly added areas.

The final decision now rests with the state government, which will consider public opinions and potential benefits before giving the green light to the proposed expansion. (ET)

The Coimbatore City Corporation has proposed a merger plan to the Tamil Nadu state government, which, if approved, would make it the largest civic body in the state. The proposal involves merging one municipality, four town panchayats, and 11 village panchayats with the existing city limits, increasing its administrative area from 257.04 square kilometers to 438.54 square kilometers. This expansion would surpass the size of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which currently spans 426 square kilometers. The proposed merger includes the addition of Kurudampalayam, Somayampalayam, Perur Chettipalayam, Keeranatham, Neelambur, Mylampatti, Pattanam, Vellanaipatti, Kallipalayam, Chinniyampalayam, and Seerapalayam village panchayats, as well as Irugur, Perur, Pallapalayam, and Vellalore town panchayats, and Madukkarai municipality. City Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran emphasised that the list is tentative and subject to change until an official order is received. Mayor K. Ranganayaki mentioned that the list was initially prepared ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and has now been finalised. If the proposal is approved, 50 new wards will be added to the current 100 wards, expanding the civic body’s administrative reach. The proposal has generated mixed reactions among elected representatives and residents of the areas being considered for inclusion. Some are concerned about potential tax hikes and reduced local representation, while others welcome the move, anticipating better infrastructure and development. Jagadeesh, a councilor from Madukkarai, expressed opposition to the proposal, noting that since its upgrade to a municipality in 2021, property taxes and building plan charges have already increased. He fears further hikes if the merger goes through and argued that the reduction in the number of local ward councilors from 27 to just two would decrease public representation. Similarly, G. Jeyakumar, Vice President of Irugur town panchayat, recalled that similar proposals were made in 2006 and 2010 but were successfully opposed. However, considering the area’s recent rapid development, including plans for an international cricket stadium and airport expansion, Jeyakumar now believes merging with the corporation could be beneficial. In contrast, residents like B. Kumar from Keeranatham village panchayat voiced concerns over losing direct access to local representatives and an increase in taxes without corresponding improvements in services. On the other hand, Deepam Swaminathan, Coordinator of Coimbatore South Development Federation, cited Kurichi municipality’s successful merger in 2011 as an example. After joining the corporation, Kurichi saw significant infrastructure improvements, including road expansion, enhanced street lighting, better water supply, and ongoing drainage work. He believes the proposed merger could similarly benefit the newly added areas. The final decision now rests with the state government, which will consider public opinions and potential benefits before giving the green light to the proposed expansion. (ET)

Next Story
Technology

AirBrick Infra Sets Rs 1 billion Target, Expands to Dubai and Tier-II Cities

AirBrick Infra, one of India’s fastest-growing AI-led commercial interior design and build firms, has announced a sales order target of Rs 1 billion for FY 2025–26. The projection represents a 50 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year and reflects rising demand, increased repeat business, and the company's robust tech-first delivery model.  Now in its third year of operations, AirBrick continues its rapid scale-up, having successfully delivered over 70 projects spanning 3 lakh sq ft in FY 2023–24. FY 2024–25 witnessed the onboarding of several Fortune 500 clients, sett..

Next Story
Resources

Virtusa Foundation Powers Green Education Drive in Bengaluru

The Virtusa Foundation, CSR arm of digital engineering and technology leader Virtusa Corporation, has announced key infrastructure and mobility initiatives at the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru. The launch marks the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for lady teachers and the deployment of two solar-powered electric buses, underscoring Virtusa’s commitment to its core pillars of Education, Environment and Empowerment (3Es).  Located on the forest fringe near Bannerghatta National Park, the initiative supports tribal and underserved communities, complementi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Godrej Enterprises Drives India’s Smart Green Logistics Shift

As India accelerates its transformation into a global manufacturing and logistics hub, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) is taking the lead with its smart, sustainable intralogistics solutions. Through its Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Storage Solutions businesses, GEG is redefining operational efficiency in modern warehouses and factories using IoT, automation, and AI. GEG has consistently maintained a 20–25 per cent market share in the intralogistics sector over the past three years. Today, over 37 per cent of GEG’s revenues come from its Good & Green portfolio, and its net..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?