COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu industrial minister S Keerthana on Friday said the scope of Guidance Tamil Nadu would be strengthened to facilitate investments and support the developmental agenda presented by Coimbatore NEXT and industry bodies, aiding the state’s goal of becoming a US$1.5 trillion economy by 2035.The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Coimbatore zone, under Coimbatore NEXT, conducted an interactive meeting with minister Keerthana, attended by district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar and representatives of industry and business associations.Participants included representatives of the CII, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Codissia, Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association (SIEMA), Kongu Global Forum, Young Indians (Yi) and other bodies, with discussions focused on improving the investment ecosystem, industrial infrastructure, high-quality job creation and positioning Coimbatore for advanced manufacturing, global capability centres, logistics, innovation and emerging sectors.Coimbatore NEXT presented a long-term vision calling for a robust industrial land bank, new industrial estates, attraction of sunrise sectors and employment generation aligned with a growing talent pool.Airport expansion was a key agenda item, covering interim work, approach road connectivity, a new integrated terminal, resolution of remaining land acquisition, improved domestic and international connectivity and completion of the boundary wall to enable future expansion.On roads, Coimbatore NEXT sought faster execution of the Western Bypass (Phases II and III), the proposed 81km Eastern Bypass by NHAI, widening of the L&T Bypass Road, improvements to the Chengapalli–Salem stretch of the Coimbatore–Salem corridor, the proposed Coimbatore–Karur Expressway and other strategic projects.On railways, the group urged the state to engage the ministry of railways to prioritise redevelopment of Coimbatore Junction railway station and establish additional train maintenance facilities to support new services, connectivity and workforce mobility.The Coimbatore Master Plan was also discussed, with industry flagging implications for industrial development, land use planning and MSME concerns, and seeking policy measures that enable manufacturing growth alongside sustainable urban development.Keerthana assured time-bound steps on key priorities. Giriyappanavar briefed participants on the progress in airport land acquisition, updates on Western Bypass execution and steps to create an industrial aland bank.
