Amid chronic parking shortages at Race Course, Raja Street, and Crosscut Road, rising traffic congestion, and growing demand for safe pedestrian crossings at Gandhipuram junction, the Coimbatore Corporation is set to implement a series of development projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

The proposed initiatives include multi-level parking facilities, commercial complexes, a food court, pedestrian skywalks, and an aviary park.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran told The Hindu that these projects were planned to address specific urban requirements, including managing heavy pedestrian traffic at Gandhipuram, easing parking-related congestion, and utilising an idle piece of land near KG Theatre, which has been temporarily cleared for vehicle parking and is earmarked for a multi-level car park (MLCP).

The Commissioner said the projects were selected strictly on the basis of need, with the objective of optimising municipal assets while reducing the Corporation’s financial burden.

Each proposal has been submitted to the Directorate of Municipal Administration following review by the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB).

“TNIDB is responsible for evaluating and recommending projects, preparing feasibility and detailed project reports, approving concession agreements, and providing financial and policy guidance to ensure effective implementation. It also establishes a balanced framework between government agencies and private partners, enhancing efficiency and facilitating timely execution without additional financial burden on the Corporation,” the Commissioner said, noting that while TNIDB approvals typically take time, clearance has now been obtained for the current projects.

He added that private participation allows municipal resources to be redirected toward essential civic infrastructure, while simultaneously generating revenue through limited advertising and profit-sharing arrangements. “This approach ensures that public benefits are maximised, investors have viable opportunities, and the Corporation maintains a sustainable revenue stream,” he said.

To support future projects, the Corporation has developed a standardised template for PPP initiatives under ₹10 crore. Developed over six months in line with TNIDB guidelines, this framework provides a structured approach for approvals and implementation, enabling smaller-scale projects to be executed efficiently.

“This model will serve as a reference for similar initiatives across Tamil Nadu and highlights the government’s favour towards PPP as a sustainable mechanism for infrastructure development,” the Commissioner said.