Mon Nov 24 19:23:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

The Tamil Nadu state government has relaxed rules regarding school entrances, now allowing them to directly face National or State Highways if a service road is provided. The rule changes specify requirements for these service roads, including width, gate dimensions, guard rails, and median construction. This change addresses schools that abut highways without existing service roads. This decision will affect the state’s nearly 59,000 schools and the millions of students and teachers within the Tamil Nadu education system.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu Schools Can Now Face Highways Under Relaxed Regulations

CHENNAI – In a move that will impact schools across the state, the Tamil Nadu government has amended building rules to allow school entrances to directly face National or State Highways, provided specific safety measures are implemented. The decision, updated on November 25, 2025, relaxes the strictures of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules of 2019, which previously prohibited such direct access.

The new regulations stipulate that schools abutting highways without existing service roads must construct a 7-meter service road along the entire frontage of their property. This service road, along with a compound wall, must be built and maintained by the school. Entry and exit gates are limited to a maximum of two, with widths ranging from 9 to 12 meters.

Further emphasizing safety, schools are also required to install a 1-meter high guard rail over the median separating the highway and service road. If a median is absent, the school must construct one, complete with the guard rail, at its own expense.

According to the Tamil Nadu School Education Policy of 2025, the decision could affect the 58,800 schools under the School Education Department, including the 12,970 private schools overseen by the Directorate of Private Schools. The move aims to address challenges faced by existing schools, while incorporating robust safety measures along the state’s major roadways. The new regulations are expected to affect over 1.16 crore students in Tamil Nadu.

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