The Tamil Nadu government has just approved two significant Government Orders sanctioning a total of ?7,434 crore for the development of highways and bridges across the state.
Under the first order, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has earmarked ?505.56 crore for constructing 100 high-level bridges in rural regions. These bridges were selected from an initial list of 321 proposals following on?site inspections and public requests received through the “Ungal Thoguthiyil Muthalvar” initiative. Officials highlighted that these bridges will shorten commutes to growth centres and serve longstanding community needs .
The second order grants the State Highways Department ?6,929 crore to upgrade and expand approximately 3,268.53?km of major roadways. This includes ?2,091.65 crore to widen 1,378.36?km of roads under 619 projects, ?1,646.5 crore to convert 253.46?km from two to four lanes under the Chief Minister Road Development Programme, and ?978 crore to develop 19 bypasses totalling 97.31?km. The remaining funds will strengthen existing highways, industrial roads, river bridges, bypasses, and safety measures .
These investments are expected to greatly improve rural connectivity, ease urban congestion, and spur economic growth by enabling smoother travel, reducing travel times, and addressing critical infrastructure gaps. Broader transport efforts in the state also include initiatives such as rural road upgrades and urban bypasses, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to comprehensive infrastructure enhancement .
