Stalin urges PM to convert eight state highways into NH

In his demi-official letter to Modi, Stalin on Thursday requested the PM to “direct Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to issue requisite notifications.” Stalin also said the eight highways have already been accorded in principle approval and they could be notified as NH without waiting for the guidelines being drawn up by MoRTH for development of new National Highways.

The MoRTH had granted ‘in principle’ approval for conversion of eight state highways, Tiruvannamalai - Kallakurichi (65 km), Vallioor - Tiruchendur (70km), Kollegal - Hanur - MM Hills - Palar Road - TN Border extended up to Mettur in Tamil Nadu (30 km), Palani - Dharapuram (31 km), Arcot - Tindivanam (91 km), Mettupalayam - Bhavani (98 km), Avinashi - Mettupalayam (38 km) and Bhavani - Karur (77 km) between May 24, 2016 and May 12, 2016, the CM said, adding that sanction had also been accorded for preparation of detailed project reports (DPR) for the same.

Free treatment for accident victims proposed

The Chief Minister also said that the state govt is planning to implement a scheme to provide free treatment to all persons injured in road accidents for the first 48 hours and for the purpose 609 hospitals have been identified. People not covered under Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance and people of other states will also be covered under the scheme.The state also decided to form a road safety authority to address the issues pertaining to loopholes in implementation during a review meeting with Highways Minister EV Velu and officials, at the Secretariat.

Meanwhile, the government postponed the Cabinet meeting scheduled on Friday to Saturday due to very heavy rain warning.