Madurai Business Chamber Applauds Shipbuilding Policy, Voices Concerns Over Local Infrastructure
The Agri and All Trade Chamber of Madurai has expressed strong support for the announcement in the Tamil Nadu Interim Budget for 2026-27 regarding the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Shipbuilding Policy. Chamber officials believe this strategic initiative will unlock significant new opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups across the state, fostering industrial diversification and economic resilience.
Boosting Industrial Growth with Strategic Investments
Chamber President S Rethinavelu highlighted the policy's synergy with the ongoing establishment of a major shipbuilding yard at Tuticorin, which involves a substantial investment of Rs 5,200 crore. "This progressive step positions Tamil Nadu for greater economic advancement," Rethinavelu stated, noting the state's existing record of double-digit growth. He emphasized that the combined effect of the policy and the new yard will be a powerful catalyst for industrial expansion and job creation.
Rethinavelu also commended the budget's substantial allocations for education and skill development, which are seen as vital for building a future-ready workforce. These include a significant outlay of Rs 48,534 crore for school education, Rs 8,505 crore for higher education, and the establishment of 38 new arts and science colleges across Tamil Nadu.
Unmet Infrastructure Demands in Madurai
Despite these positive developments, the Chamber President voiced disappointment over several long-pending infrastructure demands critical to Madurai's growth that were not addressed in the budget. Describing Madurai as the gateway to south Tamil Nadu and a key hub for culture, tourism, and medical tourism, Rethinavelu asserted that the city "did not get what it deserves." He called for a comprehensive development package to ensure balanced regional growth across the state.
Specifically, Rethinavelu pointed to the absence of announcements on two major projects:
- The proposed multi-modal integrated bus terminal, often referred to as the "Bus Port".
- A large convention and exhibition centre comparable to those in Chennai and Coimbatore.
He urged the state government to address these critical demands during the upcoming budget debate, stressing their importance for Madurai's economic and urban development.
Mixed Reactions to Agriculture and River Development Allocations
On the Agriculture Interim Budget, Rethinavelu noted that the allocation of Rs 47,248 crore represented only a modest increase of Rs 1,500 crore from the previous year. He observed that the budget lacked notable new schemes for the agricultural sector, which could have provided further impetus to farmers and related industries.
Regarding the Rs 374 crore earmarked for riverfront development along the Cauvery, Vaigai, Noyyal, and Thamirabarani rivers, environmental activists offered a different perspective. Tamil Dasan, convenor of the Madurai Nature Culture Foundation, suggested that these funds would be better utilized to strengthen underground drainage systems and sewage treatment plants. "Preventing wastewater discharge into our rivers is more crucial than beautification works," Dasan argued, emphasizing the need for sustainable environmental management.
In a related development, M Rajan, founder of the Vaigai Nadhi Makkal Iyakkam, welcomed the Rs 498 crore allocation for desilting works in major river basins, including the Vaigai. However, he called for focused attention on desilting the Vaigai and its channels within Madurai city limits. "We have been requesting comprehensive desilting for years, but it has not been fully carried out," Rajan stated, highlighting the ongoing need for effective river maintenance to prevent flooding and improve water flow.
