CHENNAI: Minister of Public Work and Highways EV Velu replying to the debate on the demand for grants for his department in the State Assembly announced a plethora of road infrastructure projects under the Ungal Thoguthiyi Muthalamaichar (UTM) scheme.

According to the Minister, about 200 km of road, including 13km stretch of Erode Outer Ring Road and another 600 km of road in the State would be upgraded (widened) as four and two-lane roads.

A bypass roads project would be undertaken in Thuraiyur, Tiruchy, Tirupattur and Namakkal districts at an overall cost of Rs 286 crore.

Meanwhile, a new Net Survey Vehicle would be sourced to identify the roughness index, which indicates unevenness, through Bump Integrator Test.

The quality and strength of concrete would be ensured using non-destructive testing. Project-completing certificates would be issued only on completion of the test using the Net Survey Vehicles.

Road safety audit would be conducted on all state highways and important cum immediate measures would be taken to prevent road accidents in the state at Rs 150 crore. A road safety committee comprising eight divisional engineers and headed by a superintending engineer would be developed to improve road safety. About 400 engineers have so far been trained for the purpose.

Roll crash barriers would be erected on ghat roads and dangerous curves at Rs 100 crore. About 273 causeways would be converted into elevated bridges at a cost of Rs 787 crore under Chief Minister All Season Uninterrupted Connectivity Scheme before 2026.

273 causeways would be converted into elevated bridges at cost of Rs 787cr under Chief Minister’s Scheme before 2026