Tamil Nadu will prepare a 10-year highway “master plan” to meet the state’s future road needs, according to the government’s action plan report titled “Vetri Tamilagam”. The report outlines targets for the next five years under Chief Minister Vijay’s leadership, with projects grouped into three phases: the first year, years one to three, and years three to five.
As part of budget preparations, the Chief Minister is holding department-wise consultations with officials to review ongoing works and upcoming priorities. A recent review meeting covered the State Highways Department and the Minor Ports Department, focusing on safer road corridors and transport infrastructure.
The report proposes an AI-enabled system to curb traffic violations under a “Safe Roads Mission”, with an allocation of Rs 500 crore. It also mentions setting up emergency treatment centres. The “Namma Salai” app is to be upgraded, with inputs from the state transport corporation, other agencies and the public to identify potholes early and take action.
For road upkeep, the report says an additional Rs 2,000 crore will be allocated every year for maintenance and repairs. The state will also urge the Union government to prioritise the Chennai–Kanyakumari eight-lane highway project, and conduct a study to reduce congestion on four key entry and exit roads in Chennai.
Beyond highways, the plan includes coastal and passenger services: a sea route around Rameswaram island in the first year, and three new passenger boats for Vivekananda Rock and the Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari. It also proposes preparing a state maritime waterways master plan costing Rs 1,07,487 crore for submission to the Union government, and exploring passenger services such as Nagapattinam–Colombo, Nagapattinam–Kuala Lumpur, and Rameswaram–Talaimannar, along with port feasibility studies and select road upgrades over five years.
