Stalin Urges PM Modi to Clear Funds and Rail Projects for Tamil Nadu’s Growth Push

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin got down to the nitty-gritty of a memorandum that he submitted to the Prime Minister recently for an infrastructure and industrial push for Tamil Nadu. He wanted the release of ₹2,151.59 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for 2024-2025 and sought early allotment for 2025-2026 to avoid delays in educational projects.

A considerable part of the memorandum was devoted to longstanding railway infrastructure demands. Speedy approvals were urged for several important rail projects, including the Cuddalore-Chennai line via Mamallapuram- “crucial for improving connectivity along the coastal tourism and industrial corridor” – the Erode-Palani rail line, and improvements to the Chennai suburban railway network, serving millions of commuters daily through the metropolitan area.

Another visible push in the direction of industrial development was the demand by the CM for the transfer of more than 1,500 acres of land lying idle in the Salem Steel Plant to the state. He suggested using this land for the establishment of industrial hubs, creating employment, attracting private investments, and accelerating regional development in the west of Tamil Nadu.

This memorandum would happen along with the larger objective of Tamil Nadu to build up its infrastructure and retain indefinite central support. These projects are pivotal in bridging regional disparities while improving the overall efficiency of logistics, given the aggressive posturing by the state government towards economic and industrial growth.

The PM’s office has yet to respond formally, but it is learned from close officials that the matter is expected to be taken up in the inter-governmental meetings to follow.