Chennai, Nov 18 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin today urged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways (MoRTH) to notify eight state roads, totalling 500 km, as new
National highways for which the Centre has given in-principle approval.
In a Demi-Official letter to Mr Modi, copies of which were released to the
media here, he said ‘in-principle’ approval was granted by the MoRTH
for conversion of eight State Highway roads as National Highways and
sanction had also been accorded for the preparation of the Detailed
Project Reports (DPR).
The eight roads are Tiruvannamalai-Kallakurichi (65 km), Vallioor-Tiruchendur
(70 km), Kollegal-Hanur-MM Hills-Palar Road-TN Border extended up to Mettur
(30 km), Palani-Dharapuram (31 km), Arcot-Tindivanam (91 km), Mettupalayam-
-Bhavani (98 km), Avinashi-Mettupalayam (38 km) and Bhavani-Karur (77 km).
Since the Centre has granted 'in-principle" approval, studies have been taken up
for preparation of DPR for the above roads under Annual Plan 2017-18 by the
State National Highways wing.
The proposals for declaration of the roads have also been presented to the MoRTH
on December six, 2018.
However, formal notifications for the declaration of these roads as new National
Highways are yet to be issued by the Ministry.
Pointing out that these eight roads are very important roads, connecting significant
pilgrimage centres like Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchendur and Palani, major trade and
tourist centres, Mr Stalin said these roads need immediate improvements to fulfill
the needs of the road users.
"I am informed that MoRTH is drawing up guidelines for development of new National
Highways. However, as these eight roads have already been accorded in-principle
approval, they can be notified as National Highways without waiting for the guidelines",
the Chief Minister said and requested Mr Modi to direct the MoRTH to issue requisite
notifications declaring these eight state roads as new National Highways and to entrust
the development works with the State Government with necessary funding.
Mr Stalin also assured Mr Modi that the State Government will extend its full cooperation
to take up all the necessary improvement works in these roads in the current year itself.
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