If you chose to ignore the fact that 2024 is a leap year, then it has been a year since the construction works for the Western Bypass Project began.

The project commenced on August 11, 2023 and it's inauguration was made by TN Housing Minister Muthusamy. The 11.8 km bypass which begins at Mayilkal/Madukkarai and ends at Narasimhanaickenpalayam, is designed to take the vehicles heading to Mettupalayam, Ooty and Mysuru from Kerala through it, thereby reducing the traffic snarls inside the city.

The first phase is from Madukkarai (Mayilkal) to Madhampatti (11.80 kms). The second phase, from Madhampatti to Kanuvai (12.10 kms) and third phase, from Kanuvai to Narasimhanaickenpalayam (8.52 kms).

More than 25% works of first phase are over as of now. Roads were built for 5 kms+ and the government has allocated funds needed for acquiring lands for Phase 2&3. In phase 2, land acquisition is underway and it is expected to be over by the end of September. It may take upto 6 months to complete the land acquisition for phase 3. 

The chief engineer of state high waist department Satya Prakash who inspected the project site yesterday reportedly asked officials involved in it to speed up the works and show developments of the project in three months. He advised them to see the work is getting completed on time as per the contract.