TN Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin Unveils Smart City Projects Worth Rs 572.4 Cr

Tamil Nadu's Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin spearheaded the inauguration of several pivotal projects under the Smart City initiative, totaling a hefty Rs 149.4 crore, on Sunday. In a bid to fortify infrastructure and amenities across the region, the minister also laid the groundwork for water-supply schemes estimated at Rs 423 crore.

Among the highlights of the inauguration ceremony were the revamped Tirunelveli Junction Periyar Bus Stand, which underwent renovations amounting to Rs 85.56 crore, the newly minted Darling Nagar Stadium costing Rs 6.44 crore, and the unveiling of two commercial complexes – one valued at Rs 14.94 crore and the other near Palayamkottai bus stand at Rs 11.73 crore. 

Additionally, a multi-level car parking facility worth Rs 12.82 crore, a meeting hall, four anganwadi buildings, two village panchayat offices, and a ration shop were also inaugurated by Udhayanidhi.

Further emphasising the state's commitment to addressing crucial water needs, the minister inaugurated various water schemes targeting the municipalities of Kalakkad, Nanguneri, Eruvadi, Moolaikaraipatti, Thirukkurunkudi, Vadakku Valliyoor, Thisayanvilai, and Panangudi town panchayats.

During his address at the event, Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin underscored the challenges faced due to the lack of relief funds from the Union government for rain-affected areas in Tirunelveli district. 

Criticising the Union government's response, he pointed out the stark disparity between the substantial GST revenue contributed by Tamil Nadu – amounting to Rs 6 lakh crore over five years – and the meagre returns of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. He lamented that for every rupee contributed, the state receives a paltry 28 paisa in return. Despite this, he affirmed the state government's unwavering dedication to implementing welfare schemes for its people.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Ministers K N Nehru, Mano Thangaraj, Raja Kannappan, Anitha Radhakrishnan, Tirunelveli MP S Gnanathiraviam, and District Collector KP Karthikeyan.

Later in the day, while attending a family function of Palayamkottai MLA Abdul Wahab, Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin voiced criticism against the AIADMK for purportedly supporting the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Parliament.