Tamil Nadu’s road development program is in urgent need of addressing certain key issues at the policy, implementation and usage levels. There is a need for better enforcement of contracts and user education on better utilization of existing infrastructure and safety aspects. This paper attempts to address specific issues in the Indian Roadways space in general and Tamil Nadu in particular and evolve a list of key imperatives for the policy makers to expedite growth in this space.
Tamil Nadu is one of the fastest growing states in India. Development of Infrastructure through innovative and progressive measures is essential for the rapid economic progress in the state. In recognition of this Government of Tamil Nadu has encouraged private sector participation in the process of infrastructure development which has resulted in rapid expansion of roadways amongst other infrastructural facilities.
Tamil Nadu has a total area of 1,30,058 Sq km. In this, there are roads to the total length of 1,99,040 Km. Out of this, 61,641 Km length of roads are maintained byCentre and State Highways Department. The Road network of the State considerably influences the economic development, population distribution, size of cities and towns, environmental quality, energy consumption, access to social infrastructure and above all the quality of life.