Chennai:
The central government should match the Tamil Nadu government's contribution to the road safety fund while the National Highways Authority of India should ensure safety on its highways, said state Transport Minister V Senthil Balaji.
Speaking at the meeting of state transport minister held in New Delhi Tuesday, Balaji, in his speech, the text of which was released here, said: "The state government is providing Rs 65 crore every year for the road safety fund. I request the central government to contribute on equal amount towards road safety in the state."
According to him till May 2012 this year, 2,253 accidents have taken place on the National Highways passing through Tamil Nadu in which 2,458 people lost their lives.
Citing the higher number of accidents on the National Highways like Madurai-Salem, Madurai-Tricy-Pudukottai and Chennai-Bangalore due to absence of adequate bridges at important junctions, Balaji requested the NHAI to take appropriate measures to ensure road safety.