Minister hints at 500-km road projects in TN this year.

There is potential to award over 500 km of new road projects at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore in Tamil Nadu in the current year, according to Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan.

According to a press note, the estimate by the Minister followed a review meeting of National Highway projects in the State, and the status of various issues relating to award of contract such as clearances and land availability.

The Minister has set a construction target of 180 km of new roads and widening of existing roads.

On the revival of the Maduravoyal-Chennai Port elevated road project following the approval of the State government for the new alignment and design recommended by an expert committee appointed by the Centre, a consultant is being appointed for putting together a Detailed Project Report. This report will be ready in four months and the contract awarded either in the last quarter of the current year or the first quarter of the next.

On road safety, the Ministry has identified 78 black spots, accident prone areas, of which permanent remedial measures are needed in 63 places. This will involve construction of bridges, grade separators and under passes. The Minister urged the officials to expedite these projects, the note said.

HBL