Tamil Nadu is all set to get a major facelift in terms of its infrastructure, as it is all set to get 4 new airports and a whole new infrastructural boost. The Union Budget also provided for Central funding for the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project, development of Chennai into a major fishing hub and establishing a multi-purpose seaweed park.
Union Transport Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the central government has allocated funds to set up airports in Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Neyveli and Vellore districts. He went on to say that funds have also been allocated for the expansion of Salem Airport. With a total allocation of ₹195 crore, ₹35 crore will be provided to Salem, ₹50 crore to Thanjavur, ₹30 crore to Neyveli, ₹44 crore to Vellore and ₹36 crore to Ramanathapuram for the construction of airports. Although some of these airports are operational, not all services are available. He added that appropriate steps will be taken to meet the necessary requirements. He added that efforts would be made to bring these small airports into regular operational use as well.
Besides announcing road works covering 3,500 km of National Highways in the State on investment of ₹1.03 lakh crore, the Budget document stated that the construction of the 278 km Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway would begin in 2021-22. The construction of the Salem-Chennai Expressway would begin in 2021-22, he added.
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