20,000 km roads in TN to be upgraded: Stalin

Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Wednesday that more than 20,000 km of roads in the State would be upgraded at the earliest utilising funds from various schemes and projects.

“Considering that good roads are essential for the public’s daily routine and safe transport, the government has decided to upgrade every damaged road. Under this the roads in Greater Chennai Corporation and other Corporations, Municipalities and town panchayats will be upgraded at the earliest,” announced the Chief Minister under Rule 110 of the Assembly.

As part of this, Rs 2,200 crore was allocated for upgrading 4,600 km of roads this year. Apart from that, 16,390 km of roads will be upgraded in a phased manner at an estimated cost of Rs 7,388 crore under projects such as Singara Chennai 2.0, State Finance Commission Subsidy Scheme Fund, Kalaignar Urban Development Scheme, NABARD fund, etc.,” he said.

In another announcement, he said 6,000 new classrooms would be constructed for panchayat union primary and middle schools at a cost of Rs 800 crore, and 1,200 classrooms for high and higher secondary schools at a cost of Rs 250 crore. In addition to the Rs 150 crore earmarked this year for maintaining schools, Rs 115 crore would be allocated for the purpose, he said.

“Constructing additional classrooms will strengthen the school infrastructure and create a safe learning environment for government school students,” said Stalin.