Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson pose for a photo ahead of the presentation of the maiden budget of the TVK-led coalition government in the Legislative Assembly in Chennai on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
To reshape the urban landscape of Tamil Nadu by 2031, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government’s 2026-27 Budget launched the ₹2,117-crore ‘Chief Minister’s Integrated Urban Development Mission’, a multi-sectoral project focusing on civic infrastructure, urban public health, and AI-driven e-governance.In the revised Budget estimates, a total of ₹29,863 crore was allocated to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department to improve Adyar and Cooum rivers, roads and pavements, and install a ‘ring main pipeline’ system. This is an increase from the ₹28,227 crore allocated by the DMK-led government during the Interim Budget 2026-27, which was presented in February by the then Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. In FY 2025-26, the department was allocated ₹26,678 crore.CM’s Integrated Urban Development MissionAccording to the Budget, the Mission will bring under one roof urban infrastructure, water supply, underground sewerage system, integrated solid waste management, city roads, urban transport, expansion of green spaces, protection of urban waterbodies, social infrastructure, the safety of women and children, AI-driven e-governance, and a dedicated ‘Urban Public Health Improvement Mission.’“By 2031, this Mission will reshape the urban landscape, character, and functioning of Tamil Nadu’s cities, positioning the State as a national role model in urban governance,” it added.According to the State government, this is to address the gaps in urban infrastructure and deliver a visibly better quality of life to every citizen in the urban local bodies.Intelligent Transport Management SystemThe Budget said the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), aimed at improving urban transport within Greater Chennai Corporation that serves 91 lakh people, is in its final stage of implementation. The ITS is being implemented by GCC, along with Greater Chennai Traffic Police and Metropolitan Transport Corporation.“A comprehensive street redesign and urban mobility project will also be implemented, with key emphasis on pedestrian infrastructure, accessibility, and urban design enhancements, including smart parking management at 20 locations and restructuring of roads in the Ambattur and Guindy Industrial Estates,” it added.To expand the city’s green canopy and create people-centric public spaces, footpaths along major routes and residential zones will also undergo greening and beautification, the Budget added.According to the Budget document, “People-friendly streets will be developed in all Municipal Corporations, transforming them into modern urban thoroughfares with proper road connectivity, dedicated pedestrian pathways, separate cycling lanes, well-connected cross-streets, junction improvements, safe school access networks, and modern LED street lighting.” Published - August 05, 2026 07:54 pm IST
