Mumbai, June 11 -- The Tamil Nadu government has released a comprehensive report showcasing its urban transformation initiatives under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's 'Dravidian Model' of governance. With rapid urbanisation as a central focus, the state has committed over Rs 360 billion to enhancing infrastructure and basic amenities across urban and semi-urban areas.

A key component of the plan is the implementation of 71 major drinking water supply projects worth Rs 90 billion, aimed at serving more than 12 million people across Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Town Panchayats, and over 10,000 rural habitations. To strengthen sanitation, Rs 17.77 billion has been allocated for 17 underground sewerage projects, while Rs 66.55 billion is being invested in restoring water bodies and developing public parks.

The report highlights a substantial push for connectivity, with Rs 46.73 billion spent on upgrading over 9,000 km of urban roads and a further Rs 30.57 billion approved for 8,065 new roadworks. Additionally, 28 new bus stands have been built and 99 more approved, with a combined investment of Rs 11.2 billion.

Over 365,000 streetlights, including energy-efficient LED systems, have been installed across urban areas. Under the Smart Cities Mission, 11 Corporations are being developed with total funding of Rs 106.39 billion.

In the Chennai suburban region, over 100 km of stormwater drains have been laid to reduce the impact of urban flooding. The government has also expanded educational infrastructure, adding 1,384 new classrooms to Corporation and Municipal schools and setting up 100 libraries and knowledge centres statewide.

The Urban Employment Scheme has created over 12 million man-days of employment, while Tamil Nadu's largest desalination plant at Nemmeli now provides drinking water to around 900,000 people.

In a move towards inclusive governance, welfare schemes have been introduced to help sanitation workers become entrepreneurs. The report also noted that more than 98 per cent of citizen grievances have been resolved through digital redressal platforms like Makkaludan Mudhalvar and Mudhalvarin Mugavari, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.