Coimbatore : Works to upgrade 12 State highways into national status had been taken up, Chief MinisterEdapadi K Palanisamy said on Saturday.
   
The State had identified 40 highways and roads for upgradation and sent the proposals to the Centre. In the first phase 12 highways had been considered with Central funding. The rest would be considered later, he added.

He was here to launch ‘Uyir, initiated by Coimbatoreans to create awareness about the need to prevent the accidents and make the city accident-free.

About Chennai-Salem eight-lane green corridor, he said though land acquisition was completed, it was delayed due to a court order.

He exhorting vehicle users to follow traffic rules strictly and reduce accident rates. Steps like fastening  seat belts and wearing helmets and also avoiding talking over phone while driving could help bring down accident rates, he said.

Casualties were reduced after the State Government's initiative of 722 patrolling teams on highways and also fast services of 108 ambulances, particularly taking accident victims to the hospital within the golden hour, he said

On the request by Uyir trustees to expand and widen roads in and around the city, the Chief Minister said it was proposed to have two outer ring roads in east and west sides by which heavy vehicles would be barred from entering the city.