Chennai roads will be upgraded to national highway standards before next monsoon: Minister Aadhav Arjuna

Speaking at a meeting, the Minister said the Greater Chennai Corporation had handed over around 100 km of roads in the city to the State Highways Department. These roads, which are primarily bus route roads, will be upgraded over the next year to improve their quality and meet standards comparable to national highways.

Arjuna's remarks come amid continuing public concerns over the condition of roads in Chennai, particularly during the monsoon, when damaged surfaces, potholes and waterlogging frequently disrupt traffic and cause inconvenience to commuters.

The Minister expressed confidence that the proposed improvements would bring a visible change to the city's road infrastructure. His assurance that road projects would be executed without corruption was also a key part of his remarks, signalling the government's stated emphasis on transparency and accountability in public works.

While outlining the timeline for road upgrades, Arjuna sought two years to bring about broader improvements in Chennai's civic infrastructure. He indicated that transforming the city's overall civic conditions would require sustained work beyond the immediate road development programme.

The commitments place road quality, project execution and urban infrastructure among the key priorities for Chennai. The effectiveness of the proposed measures will depend on timely implementation, construction quality and maintenance, particularly as the city prepares for the next monsoon season.