Tamil Nadu roads will be converted into National Highways, says CM Palaniswami

COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu government has identified as many as 40 roads which will be converted into National Highways (NH). “Of the proposal sent by the State government, the Central government has given its nod for 19 projects, another nine are awaiting Centre's approval besides work has begun on 12 road projects,” Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said on Saturday, speaking after inaugurating 'Uyir', an initiative of like-minded people in Coimbatore to ensure that our roads are accident-free.

Commenting on the Salem-Chennai expressway, which is one of the Greenfield projects, Mr. Palaniswami said that once the infrastructure is ready, the citizens of the textile city will also benefit from it.

“The project when completed will reduce travel time between Salem and Chennai, besides cutting down the distance by 77-km.” he said. Moving the focus to road safety, he pointed that the '108 ambulance' has saved more than 4,00, 000 lives. He appreciated the 'Kutti Copy' programme of 'Uyir' and stated that it is good to note that school children are helping to sensitise parents and their families on road safety.

Delivering his address on the occasion, Dr S. Rajasekaran of Ganga Medical Center and Hospital and managing trustee of Uyir said, “around six locations have been identified in the city and the total requirement for laying of new roads is under two-kilometers (1.61-km), besides we have identified 4.063-kilometre of road in multiple locations across our city, which when widened can go a long way in easing traffic. Five paramount roads are in need of surveillance camera.” he said.

On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between representatives from the government and board members of 'Uyir' to work towards creating an accident-free Coimbatore.