TN Allocates ₹17,000 Cr to Road Projects; Chennai Emerges Key Beneficiary

Tamil Nadu is witnessing one of the largest thrusts towards road infrastructure development with Chennai at its pivot. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier stated that over ₹17,000 crore would be put forward by the state government for improved connectivity through various road and bridge projects in urban and rural areas.

Chennai stands out in this endeavor with many high-impact projects changing urban mobility. A major high-level corridor from Teynampet to Saidapet is being constructed at a cost of ₹621 crore. Recently completed is a U-shaped flyover at Tidel Park Junction, which was built at a cost of ₹27.5 crore, and which is now available for public use. Other major upgrades include flyovers at Velachery, Koyambedu, and Perungalathur; the Madipakkam underpass; and the Widening of Inner Ring Road bridge at ₹139.17 crore.

Statewide, 996 new bridges and 29 railway overbridges have been finished, and there are 41 more in progress. Some of these developments are funded from outside under initiatives such as the Chennai-Kanniyakumari Industrial Corridor, which has helped in the regional connectivity through roads such as Thanjavur–Mannargudi and Melur–Tirupattur.

On the technology and manpower side, the government is maintaining and hence monitoring these assets. The ‘Namma Salai’ mobile app has been launched for citizens to report potholes in real-time so that road maintenance could respond. Parallel structural road safety programs were launched in 22 districts to sensitize the public and reduce accidents.

To cope with the huge surge of infrastructural works, almost 1,000 recruits have been brought in to build the capacity of the Highways Department.

This aggressive investment is an indicator of the long-term commitment of this government towards changing the transport backbone of Tamil Nadu, decongesting cities, and making districts more accessible.