Periyar Library Cum Knowledge Centre Taking Shape at Rs.300 Crore: Minister E.V. Velu

Construction of the eight-storey Periyar Arivu Lagam, being developed at a cost of Rs. 300 crore in the Gandhipuram area of Coimbatore, is progressing at a brisk pace with plans to inaugurate the facility before the upcoming elections.
Public Works Minister E.V. Velu on Wednesday inspected the construction works in person and reviewed the progress with engineers and contractors. He enquired about the extent of work completed and the timeline required for finishing the remaining construction.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the Minister said that after the formation of the Dravidian model government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the State has been focusing on establishing libraries to build a knowledgeable society with emphasis on education. He cited the Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai, which is now widely used by people across the southern districts, as a successful example.
He said the foundation stone for the Periyar Arivu Lagam in Coimbatore, a city with a large academic and intellectual population, was laid by the Chief Minister in 2024 and construction is now under way. The building will have eight floors and a total built-up area of 1.98 lakh square feet. All statutory approvals, including no-objection clearance from the airport authorities, have been obtained.
Of the total project cost, Rs. 245 crore has been earmarked for civil construction, Rs. 50 crore for procurement of books and Rs. 5 crore for equipment such as computers, the Minister said.
Noting that Periyar E.V. Ramasamy hailed from the undivided Coimbatore district, the Minister said the centre has been named Periyar Arivu Lagam in recognition of his contribution towards social reform and spreading awareness across Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country.
He said the Periyar Knowledge Centre is expected to be opened by the Chief Minister between February 10 and 28, subject to completion of works and final approval.
Responding to political queries, the Minister asserted that the DMK remains strong and that M.K. Stalin will return as Chief Minister in 2026, continuing the Dravidian model of governance.