Chennai Minister Seeks Urgent Road Safety Measures and Highway Expansion
Chennai: Tamil Nadu's State Public Works Department (PWD) and Highways Minister Aadhav Arjuna met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on Tuesday, urging immediate action to reduce rising road accidents and fatalities on national highways in the state. The minister submitted a memorandum emphasizing the need for improved road infrastructure and stricter safety protocols.
Road Safety Concerns Highlighted
In the memorandum, Aadhav Arjuna pointed out that Tamil Nadu recorded 71,313 road accidents and 18,421 deaths last year, underscoring the urgency of stronger safety measures. He called for strict implementation of the road safety policy, increased highway patrol and ambulance services through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), establishment of trauma care hospitals along highways, and safer U-turn facilities to prevent crashes.
Key Highway Expansion Projects Proposed
The minister also sought approval for upgrading approximately 1,500 kilometers of four-lane national highways in the state into six-lane corridors to address growing traffic congestion, freight movement, and urban expansion. Specific projects include:
- Expansion of the Chengalpattu-Tindivanam stretch on NH-32 into six or eight lanes.
- Six-laning of the Coimbatore bypass stretch between Neelambur and Madukkarai on NH-544.
- Widening of the Tiruchy (Panjapur)-Jeeyapuram-Karur stretch on NH-81 into six lanes.
- Construction of an access-controlled six-lane highway with service roads between Karur and Coimbatore on NH-81.
- Elevated corridors between Madhavaram and Cholavaram on NH-16 and between Maduravoyal and Sriperumbudur on NH-48.
- Widening of the Uppilipalayam flyover ring road.
- Approval for projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund for the fiscal year 2026-27.
Aadhav Arjuna emphasized that these measures are critical to enhancing safety, reducing fatalities, and supporting economic growth in Tamil Nadu. The meeting concluded with the submission of the memorandum, and the minister expressed hope for swift action from the central government.
