Tamil Nadu is embarking on an ambitious rural infrastructure drive, sanctioning ₹8,000 crore for the development of 20,000 kilometres of rural roads under the Mudalvarin Grama Saalaigal Membattu Thittam (MGSMT). This significant investment underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, fostering equitable development, and laying the groundwork for sustainable, eco-friendly communities across its vast rural landscape, aligning with a vision for zero net carbon cities.
The Chief Minister’s Rural Roads Development Scheme, launched in 2022-23, is a cornerstone of this transformative agenda. To date, substantial progress has been recorded, with 9,690 projects covering an impressive 12,572 kilometres already completed at an estimated cost of ₹4,609 crore. Furthermore, work on an additional 6,671 kilometres of roads is actively underway, backed by an allocation of ₹3,529 crore. This systematic approach to road development is crucial for bridging the urban-rural divide, facilitating easier access to markets, healthcare, and education, and thereby empowering rural populations. Improved road networks are fundamental to reducing travel times and fuel consumption, indirectly contributing to lower carbon emissions and a greener environment.
Beyond road connectivity, the state government is also making significant strides in housing, a critical component of equitable urbanisation. Under the ‘Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam Scheme,’ which aims to eradicate hut-dwellings in Tamil Nadu by 2030, a substantial ₹7,000 crore has been sanctioned to construct two lakh houses within two years. Of these, 72,081 homes have already been completed, with the remainder in various stages of construction. The scheme’s provision for bank loans of up to ₹1 lakh for beneficiaries requiring additional support highlights a nuanced approach to financial inclusion, ensuring that housing initiatives are accessible and supportive for vulnerable segments of the population, including women and marginalised communities, fostering gender neutrality in development.
Recognising the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure, the government has also allocated ₹1,041.32 crore in 2024-25 for the renovation of 1.48 lakh rural houses built under various government schemes prior to 2000-01. This focus on repair and renovation, rather than solely new construction, represents a sustainable approach to housing, extending the lifespan of existing assets and reducing the environmental impact associated with new builds. It also reflects a commitment to preserving community heritage while ensuring safe and dignified living conditions for all.
Collaborative efforts with the Union government are further amplifying these initiatives. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), funded 60% by the Union and 40% by the state, approximately 4,182 kilometres across 947 roads and 83 new bridges are being developed at an estimated cost of ₹3,061 crore. Additionally, the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund has facilitated the completion of over 500 kilometres across 283 roads and 308 bridges, with an investment of ₹1,182 crore. These multi-agency partnerships are vital for leveraging resources and expertise to deliver comprehensive rural development.
The broader vision extends to community development, with renovation works at Periyar Memorial Samathuvarpurams costing ₹261 crore, and development works in 10,187 village panchayats under the Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam, backed by an allocation of ₹4,277 crore. These initiatives collectively aim to uplift rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably distributed, and that all citizens, regardless of their location, have access to modern amenities and opportunities. This holistic approach to rural development is foundational to creating truly sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities and regions.
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