GD Naidu Flyover Coimbatore: ₹1,791 Crore Tamil Nadu's Longest Bridge Goldwins-Uppilipalayam

On October 9, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a remarkable piece of infrastructure that represents not just engineering excellence, but also a tribute to one of India’s greatest innovators. The GD Naidu Elevated Expressway, formerly known as the Avinashi Road Flyover, stands as Tamil Nadu’s longest flyover and marks a new chapter in Coimbatore’s urban development story.

Why the Name GD Naidu? Understanding the Legacy

The flyover’s name honors Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu (1893-1974), affectionately known as the “Edison of India” and “the wealth creator of Coimbatore.” This remarkable inventor and engineer was born on March 23, 1893, in Kalangal village near Coimbatore to a farming family Medium.

GD Naidu’s Revolutionary Contributions:

First Electric Motor in India: In 1937, he manufactured India’s first indigenous electric motor
Innovative Spirit: Created over 100 different machines and inventions
Educational Pioneer: Established India’s first polytechnic college
Industrial Visionary: Founded New Electric Works in Coimbatore in 1930
Famous Inventions: The ‘Rasant’ electric razor, belt-driven pumps, and four-stroke engines

The naming of this flyover after GD Naidu is particularly fitting, as Coimbatore is known for its industrial innovation, directly linking the city’s progressive infrastructure to its innovative heritage The Hindu.

Project Overview: Breaking Records in Tamil Nadu

Key Statistics:

Length: 10.1 kilometers (6.22 miles)
Status: Longest flyover in Tamil Nadu
Cost: ₹1,791.23 crore
Construction Duration: 5 years (2020-2025)
Contractor: KNR Constructions Limited
Executing Agency: Special Projects Wing of State Highways Department

Access Points and Ramp Configuration Route Details

The GD Naidu Flyover features a sophisticated ramp system with 8 strategically positioned entry and exit points along its 10.1-kilometer stretch, designed to provide seamless connectivity to major landmarks and residential areas.

Northern Route (Left Side) – Entry/Exit Points:

1. Chinniampalayam Section

Airport Access Ramp (விமான நிலையம்)
Kalapatti Junction (காளப்பட்டி)
Second Down Ramp – Major exit point for northern areas

2. Central Coimbatore Section

TIDEL Park Access (டைடல் பூங்கா) – Key IT hub connectivity
Singanallur Junction (சிங்காநல்லூர்) – Major residential area access
Vilankurichi Access (விளாங்குறிச்சி)

3. Southern Approach

First Down Ramp – Strategic exit before railway crossing
Nava India Junction (நவ இந்தியா சந்திப்பு)
Lakshmi Mills Junction (லட்சுமி மில்ஸ் சந்திப்பு) – Historic textile hub access

Southern Route (Right Side) – Entry/Exit Points:

4. Airport Corridor

Airport Access Ramp (விமான நிலையம்) – Direct airport connectivity
Kalapatti Access (காளப்பட்டி)
First Up Ramp – Primary entry point from airport side

5. Commercial Zone Access

TIDEL Park Ramp – Dedicated IT park access
Singanallur Entry (சிங்காநல்லூர்)
Vilankurichi Junction (விளாங்குறிச்சி)
Second Up Ramp – Major entry point for central areas

6. Industrial Belt Connection

Second Down Ramp – Exit for industrial areas
First Down Ramp – Alternative exit before complex junctions
Anna Silai Junction (அன்னா சிலை சந்திப்பு)
VOC Park Junction (வி.ஓ.சி பூங்கா சந்திப்பு)

Terminal Points:

Northern Terminal: Chinniampalayam (சின்னியம்பாளையம்)

Starting Point: Goldwins area
Key Connections: Airport Road, Kalapatti Industrial Area
Strategic Importance: Gateway to Coimbatore International Airport

Southern Terminal: Grey Town/Uppilipalayam (உப்பிலிபாளையம்)

Ending Point: Uppilipalayam Junction
Key Connections: Railway Station, Central Bus Stand
Strategic Importance: Connection to city center and transportation hubs

Strategic Ramp Positioning Analysis:

Airport Connectivity Cluster (विमान निलयम्)

The flyover provides dual access points to Coimbatore International Airport:

Northbound: Direct ramp from airport to flyover
Southbound: Dedicated exit ramp for airport-bound traffic
Travel Time: Reduced to just 10 minutes from city center

IT Hub Access (TIDEL Park)

Dedicated ramps for the TIDEL Park IT complex:

Strategic Positioning: Mid-route access for optimal connectivity
Business Impact: Enhanced connectivity for IT professionals and companies
Traffic Distribution: Reduces congestion on ground-level roads

Industrial Area Integration

Kalapatti and Singanallur Industrial Zones:

Manufacturing Hub Access: Direct connectivity to textile and engineering industries
Logistics Optimization: Improved goods movement and supply chain efficiency
Economic Benefits: Reduced transportation costs for industrial operations

Residential Area Connectivity

Vilankurichi and Singanallur Residential Zones:

Community Access: Easy entry/exit for residential areas
Daily Commute: Simplified access for thousands of residents
Urban Planning: Supports planned residential development

Traffic Flow Optimization:

Ramp Design Features:

Gradual Inclines: Safe acceleration and deceleration zones
Multiple Lanes: Dedicated lanes for merging traffic
Clear Signage: Bilingual directional indicators (Tamil and English)
Safety Barriers: Protective barriers at all merge points

Congestion Management:

Distributed Access: 8 access points prevent bottlenecking
Strategic Spacing: Optimal distance between ramps for smooth flow
Alternative Routes: Multiple options for reaching destinations

Navigation Guidelines for Commuters:

Airport-Bound Traffic:

From City Center: Use Southern Up Ramp near Uppilipalayam
Direct Route: Stay on flyover until Airport Down Ramp
Time Saving: 10-minute journey vs. previous 25-30 minutes

IT Park Commuters:

Morning Rush: Use TIDEL Park specific ramps
Reverse Commute: Optimized for both directions during peak hours
Park-and-Ride: Enhanced connectivity to public transport

Industrial Traffic:

Heavy Vehicles: Designated entry/exit points for commercial vehicles
Logistics Routing: Optimized paths for goods transportation
Peak Hour Management: Separate timing recommendations for heavy traffic

Future Expansion Possibilities:

Planned Enhancements:

Additional Ramps: Feasibility studies for intermediate access points
Service Roads: Enhanced ground-level connectivity
Pedestrian Overpasses: Safe crossing points at major junctions

This comprehensive ramp system transforms the GD Naidu Flyover from a simple elevated road into a sophisticated urban transportation network, providing multiple access options while maintaining smooth traffic flow throughout the 10.1-kilometer corridor.

Technical Specifications: Engineering Excellence

Structure Details:

Main Carriageway: 4-lane elevated roadway
Width: 17.25 meters
Ground Level: 6-lane expanded road
Total Pillars: 305 structural pillars
Support Structure: Reinforced with 610 expansion joints
Ramps: 8 up and down ramps at 4 strategic locations

Advanced Features:

Sinus Plate Expansion Joints: For enhanced structural flexibility
Rainwater Harvesting System: Integrated in every span for groundwater recharge
Smart Irrigation: Drip irrigation on flyover, sprinkler irrigation at ground level
Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED lighting system with 610 energy-saving bulbs
Service Roads: 10.5-meter service roads on both sides

Construction Challenges and Solutions

Major Engineering Challenges:

1. Railway Crossing Complex

The most significant challenge was crossing the busy Coimbatore Junction railway lines. Engineers had to install a massive 900-tonne iron structure, manufactured in Hyderabad and transported in 40 segments across 15 trucks. This required:

Coordinated night-time operations during railway maintenance windows
Installation of 8 massive steel composite girders between pillars
Precision engineering to avoid disrupting train schedules The New Indian Express

2. Urban Construction Constraints

Building a 10.1-km flyover through densely populated urban areas presented unique challenges:

Maintaining traffic flow during construction
Coordinating with existing infrastructure
Managing space constraints in busy commercial areas

3. Timeline Pressures

Originally scheduled for completion in 48 months from 2020, the project faced various delays due to:

COVID-19 pandemic impacts
Technical complexities at railway crossings
Coordination challenges with multiple agencies

Project Timeline: From Vision to Reality

Development Milestones:

2016-2017: Initial approval for detailed project report
2020: Administrative sanction of ₹1,621 crore granted
December 2020: Construction commenced under KNR Constructions
July 2024: Revised sanction for ₹1,791.23 crore due to scope enhancements
May 2025: Critical railway crossing installation completed
September 2025: Final construction phases
October 8, 2025: Official naming ceremony by CM Stalin
October 9, 2025: Grand inauguration by CM Stalin

Traffic Impact and Benefits

Immediate Traffic Benefits:

Airport Connectivity: Reduced travel time to Coimbatore airport from city center to just 10 minutes
Speed Limit: 60 kmph for safe and efficient travel
Congestion Relief: Significant reduction in traffic bottlenecks on Avinashi Road
Commercial Benefits: Enhanced connectivity to industrial areas and IT parks

Economic Impact:

Industrial Growth: Improved connectivity to support Coimbatore’s textile and engineering industries
Real Estate Development: Positive impact on property values along the corridor
Fuel Savings: Reduced travel time translates to significant fuel cost savings for commuters
Commercial Efficiency: Enhanced movement of goods and services

Environmental and Sustainability Features

The GD Naidu Flyover incorporates several environmentally conscious design elements:

Water Management:

Rainwater Harvesting: Every span includes rainwater collection systems
Groundwater Recharge: Collected rainwater channeled to recharge groundwater tables
Drainage Integration: Comprehensive drainage system prevents urban flooding

Energy Efficiency:

LED Lighting: Energy-saving illumination throughout the 10.1-km stretch
Smart Controls: Automated lighting systems for optimal energy usage

Green Infrastructure:

Landscaping: Drip irrigation systems maintain green spaces on the flyover
Ground Level Beautification: Sprinkler irrigation for roadside landscaping

Inauguration Ceremony: October 9, 2025

The grand inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries:

Key Attendees:

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin: Inaugurated and took the ceremonial first ride
E.V. Velu: Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports
G.D. Gopal: Son of G.D. Naidu and Managing Trustee of G.D. Naidu Charities Trust
G.D. Rajkumar: Grandson of G.D. Naidu and Trustee

The ceremony highlighted the project’s significance not just as infrastructure development, but as a tribute to Tamil Nadu’s innovative spirit The Hindu.

Future Prospects and Extensions

Planned Developments:

Pending Components: Construction of remaining up-ramp at one location
Pedestrian Infrastructure: 1.5-meter-wide footpath for 4.4 km stretch
Drainage Completion: Final drainage system installation
Extension Possibilities: Feasibility studies for further extensions

Long-term Vision:

The GD Naidu Flyover is expected to serve as a catalyst for:

Urban Planning: Integrated development along the corridor
Smart City Initiatives: Integration with Coimbatore’s smart city projects
Industrial Growth: Enhanced connectivity supporting manufacturing hubs
Tourism Development: Improved accessibility to key destinations

Public Reception and Community Impact

The flyover has received widespread appreciation from various stakeholders:

Commuter Feedback:

Time Savings: Significant reduction in daily commute times
Fuel Efficiency: Reduced fuel consumption due to smoother traffic flow
Safety Improvements: Segregated traffic reduces accident risks

Business Community Response:

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has praised the project for its potential to boost economic activity and improve business efficiency in the region The New Indian Express.

Comparison with Other Major Flyovers

The GD Naidu Flyover stands out among India’s major flyover projects:

Length Comparison:

GD Naidu Flyover, Coimbatore: 10.1 km (Longest in Tamil Nadu)
Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, Mumbai: 5.6 km
DND Flyway, Delhi-Noida: 9.2 km
Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai: 5.6 km

Unique Features:

Most comprehensive rainwater harvesting system
Integrated smart irrigation network
Advanced expansion joint technology
Strategic industrial corridor connectivity

Conclusion: A Monument to Progress

The GD Naidu Elevated Expressway represents far more than just another infrastructure project. It embodies the spirit of innovation that G.D. Naidu himself championed throughout his life. By connecting the legacy of India’s Edison with modern engineering excellence, this flyover serves as both a practical solution to urban transportation challenges and a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s commitment to honoring its innovative heritage.

As Coimbatore continues to grow as an industrial and educational hub, the GD Naidu Flyover will undoubtedly play a crucial role in supporting this development. The project’s success demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure planning, combined with advanced engineering and environmental consciousness, can create lasting positive impacts on urban life.

For residents, businesses, and visitors to Coimbatore, the GD Naidu Flyover offers not just improved connectivity, but a reminder of the innovative spirit that continues to drive the city forward. As commuters travel along this engineering marvel, they traverse not just physical distance, but also connect with a legacy of innovation that defines Coimbatore’s identity.