The Tamil Nadu government has successfully laid 13,733 kilometres of rural roads over the past three years, transforming connectivity and quality of life in the state’s rural areas. This ambitious project is part of a broader infrastructural overhaul that includes the construction of 18,899 kilometres of roads and 83 bridges, all sanctioned at a total cost of ₹9,030 crore.
As of now, work worth ₹5,219 crore has been completed, including the construction of 22 bridges, vastly improving rural access and mobility. The completion of these roads is expected to provide a lifeline to thousands of rural communities, making travel easier, more efficient, and safer for residents. In addition to rural roads, Tamil Nadu has made strides in enhancing basic amenities under various government schemes. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which is a key driver of rural employment, has benefited over 10 lakh families in the last three years. Of these beneficiaries, an impressive 86.26% were women, underlining the scheme’s role in empowering rural women. The state has disbursed ₹34,609 crore in wages under MGNREGS, with ₹6,359 crore earmarked for the current year. Another noteworthy development is the Jal Jeevan Mission, under which water connections were provided to 71.5 lakh households in the state, with an investment of ₹2,123 crore. The initiative ensures that households receive potable water as per the BIS 10500 standards. Tamil Nadu’s progress in water supply was recognised in 2021 when it was awarded the third prize by the Jal Shakti Ministry for its efforts in providing drinking water to rural areas.
Moreover, in a significant push towards rural housing, the state has constructed 3.3 lakh housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in the last three years. In total, Tamil Nadu has been sanctioned 7.38 lakh houses under the scheme for the period 2016-2024, with only 2.89 lakh houses built during the previous AIADMK-led regime. This marks a notable increase in the pace of housing construction and highlights the state government’s commitment to improving living conditions for rural families. These developments highlight Tamil Nadu’s ongoing commitment to rural development, with a clear focus on infrastructure, employment, housing, and essential services. The integration of these diverse initiatives not only promotes economic growth but also aims to enhance the overall standard of living for rural populations, particularly women and marginalised communities. With a robust strategy for infrastructure and rural welfare, Tamil Nadu is poised to continue its progress in achieving balanced, sustainable growth across both urban and rural areas.
