Minister Inspects Proposed New Route to Kodaikanal.

State Highways and Small Ports Minister E V Velu, accompanied by Food Minister R Sakkarapani and Palani MLA I P Senthilkumar, conducted a detailed assessment of a proposed new road to Kodaikanal aimed at alleviating traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. The proposed seven-kilometer route would stretch from Vilpatti to Perumalmalai, serving as a crucial junction linking Palani and Batlagundu routes to Kodaikanal.

During the inspection, Minister Velu emphasized the need for more frequent repairs on ghat roads like those leading to Kodaikanal, proposing a maintenance schedule of once every three years instead of the current five-year cycle. He assured reporters that a detailed project report for the new route would be promptly prepared, with construction set to commence soon.

"The roads in the Cauvery delta and ghat sections often suffer from poor stability and require more frequent attention," Minister Velu stated, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring road quality and holding officials accountable for maintenance lapses.

In a bid to enhance expertise, Minister Velu also announced plans to send highway officials for training abroad, particularly in countries like Australia, focusing on road stability techniques.

Following the inspection, Minister Velu and Minister Sakkarapani visited Kodaikanal GH to review ongoing construction work costing ₹7.19 crore, underscoring the government's efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure alongside transportation enhancements.

ET