Tamil Nadu Plans Rs 1.50 Lakh Crore Urban Infrastructure Drive

Tamil Nadu has issued orders to launch a five-year urban infrastructure programme valued at roughly Rs 1.50 lakh crore. The plan places the heaviest emphasis on roads, sewerage and water supply across the state's towns and cities.

The scheme was announced in the state budget as the 'Pradhan Mantri Integrated Urban Development Scheme'. The stated aim is to build world-class infrastructure in all urban local bodies.

The programme combines basic service upgrades, environmental restoration, public health measures and urban monitoring into a single framework, giving local bodies a unified approach to development.

Roads and transport account for the largest share, with Rs 60,000 crore allocated. Sewerage infrastructure will receive Rs 50,000 crore, followed by Rs 30,350 crore for drinking water projects.

The government has also set aside Rs 3,000 crore for solid waste management. Reservoir restoration and social infrastructure will each get Rs 2,000 crore, while green area development and public health initiatives will receive Rs 1,500 crore each.

The plan aims to ensure a water connection for every household. Corporation areas are set to receive 24-hour water supply, and municipalities will get three hours of supply. Upgrading the infrastructure required for these services is also planned.

Full coverage of underground sewerage is a major goal. Environmental initiatives include planting five crore saplings and restoring reservoirs, including those in the Adyar and Kuvam rivers.

Other proposed works include animal sterilisation centres and artificial intelligence-enabled CCTV cameras.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation, or TUFIDCO, will function as the implementation and financial management agency under the government order.