What Does The Tamil Nadu Budget 2023-24 Have For Urban Development?

Among the large states, Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the highly urbanised states with more than 45 per cent of the population living in urban areas.

Apart from the capital Chennai, it has big cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli, all of which are important for its economic growth. This has made urban development and urban infrastructure a keenly watched part of the state budget.

Here are the major announcements made in the state budget for urban development and rejuvenation-

Adyar River Cleanup

Cleaning up of a 44-kilometre stretch of the Adyar river in Chennai by taking up steps like prevention of sewage from entering the river and construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

Recreational facilities like walkways, parks, open-air gymnasiums and cafeterias on the banks of the river.

The project is expected to cost Rs 1500 crore.

Holistic Development Plans For North Chennai, Coimbatore And Madurai

Under the 'Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam', the government plans to address infrastructure gaps in North Chennai and bring it on par with South Chennai which is more developed.

Comprehensive development plans titled 'Ezhilmigu Kovai' and 'Ma Madurai' are to be made for Coimbatore and Madurai, which are the second and third largest cities of the state respectively.

Teynampet-Saidapet Flyover

A 3.2 kilometre long, four-lane, elevated flyover would be constructed from Teynampet to Saidapet on the arterial Anna Salai to ease traffic congestion. Around 18500 vehicles pass through the stretch during peak hours.

Chennai Peripheral Ring Road

An allocation of Rs 1847 crore has been made towards the under-construction Chennai Peripheral Ring Road Project which connects Mahabalipuram and Ennore Port.

Metro Rail For Coimbatore And Madurai

The cost of the Coimbatore and Madurai metros have been estimated to be Rs 9000 crore and Rs 8500 crore, respectively and they would be financed through funding from external agencies.

Initially, the Coimbatore metro would be built on the route stretching from Avinashi Road to Sathyamangalam Road.

Six Chennai Bus Depots To Be Made Into Modern Transit Junctions; New Buses To Be Procured

The first phase would see the redevelopment of bus depots at Vadapalani, Vyasarpadi and Tiruvanmiyur at a cost of Rs 1600 crore. Tambaram, Tirovottiyur and Saidapet would be developed in the next phase.

1000 new buses are to be procured by the government to provide a comfortable travel experience to people.

Island Grounds To Get More Facilities

A 30-acre area in Chennai's Island Grounds is to be developed as a vibrant public place with an urban plaza, exhibition pavilions, landscaping, open-air theatre and food courts at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Budget 2023-24 Highlights: Rs 9000 Crore Estimated For Coimbatore Metro; Chola Museum To Come Up In Thanjavur