The Tamil Nadu Highways Department is set to take over 471 city roads from the Greater Chennai Corporation to improve maintenance and road quality. This initiative, covering 387 kilometers of bus routes, follows concerns raised by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding the uneven surface of city roads. The department aims to integrate road, drain, and sewer planning to prevent the frequent digging of roads for utility work.
Under the new plan, the Highways Department will utilize a budget of ₹21,000 crore to upgrade infrastructure, including the implementation of an online portal for work permissions and a performance-based maintenance system. The project also focuses on improving connectivity between interior roads and arterial routes, as well as enhancing links to canals and rivers to manage water drainage effectively.
Additionally, the department has floated tenders to prepare detailed project reports for the transformation of the OMR and Radial Road. This project will cover a 25-kilometer stretch and incorporate features such as dedicated service lanes, upgraded culverts, and improved pedestrian facilities. Officials stated that the design process will involve coordination with various agencies to ensure long-term durability and safety.
