INTRODUCTION
Government of Tamil Nadu has the unique distinction of creating a separate Highways Department as early as in 1946 exclusively to attend the roads and bridges in the State. Tamil Nadu was the forerunner in bringing out standard specifications for the roads and bridges in the year 1954. The objectives of the department are to maintain and improve the roads under the control of the Government and to provide all weather road connectivity to rural habitations. A new post of Secretary to Government, Highways Department came into being in 1996. Minor Ports were later brought under the purview of this Department. Subsequently, this Department was renamed as Highways and Minor Ports Department.
VISION
The vision of the Highways Department is to increase the capacity, connectivity, efficiency and safety of the Highways System so as to enable balanced socio-economic development of all sections of the people and all regions of the state.
IMPORTANCE OF ROAD NETWORK
Availability of adequate and quality infrastructure is a prerequisite for rapid industrial development, which in turn leads to creation of gainful employment for the people. Increasing accessibility and connectivity within and among rural areas is an important prerequisite for rural development. Tamil Nadu is served by an extensive road network in terms of its spread and quality, providing links between urban centers, agricultural market-places and rural habitations in the countryside.
Highways Department serves the road users of Tamil Nadu by providing High Quality, Cost Effective, Environment-Friendly Road Network (by applying Innovation, Best Practices, appropriate Technology and responsible Management of Internal and External Resources). Also, the roads are reliable, safe and contribute to Sustainable Economic Development and Social Well-being of the State
