Coimbatore residents protest airport wall plan over road access

Residents of SIHS Colony and nearby areas protested on October 9 against a perimeter wall planned for land acquired to expand Coimbatore International Airport, citing concern over the loss of an existing road.

Protesters said between 5,000 and 7,000 people use the unpaved route connecting SIHS Colony with Avinashi Road. It runs through land adjoining the airport's expanded area.

Officials visited the site on Friday to prepare for barricades ahead of wall construction. Residents gathered to oppose blocking the route and asked for an alternative road between the railway track and the new wall.

A resident told The Hindu that closing the route would require people travelling from the airport junction to SIHS Colony and neighbouring areas to go through Singanallur. Officials, including the Coimbatore south tahsildar, held talks with protesters. No decision on the requested alternative road was reported.