Centre sanctions Rs 1133 cr for TN roads

Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh sanctioned Rs 1133 crore to Tamil Nadu for upgrading 3,000 kilometers of roadways under Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana.

In a letter to Chief Minister Jayalalitha, Ramesh informed that after a gap of almost 4 years, the Union ministry of rural development considered fresh proposals from Tamil Nadu for support under PMGSY.

Ramesh further continued to elaborate that the pre-Empowered Committee met Friday morning and recommended the clearance of about 3,088 kms for upgradation at a cost of Rs.1,133 crore.

"While giving the clearance, the pre-EC had observed that there may be some roads where the traffic volumes could exceed PMGSY norms. For these cases which will be identified by November 19, the additional cost will have to be borne by the state government, which may be less than Rs.100 crore," Ramesh's letter stated.

Ramesh said that he expected that the formal Empowered Committee meeting to give final sanction will be held in the next fortnight.