Tamil Nadu MLA Conducts Comprehensive Review of Madurai Development Initiatives
Tamil Nadu assembly estimates committee chairman and Vedasanthur MLA S Gandhirajan conducted a thorough inspection of ongoing development projects for the 2024-2026 period in Madurai district on Thursday. The review covered a wide range of infrastructure and social welfare initiatives representing significant public investment.
Key Infrastructure Projects Under Scrutiny
Goripalayam Junction Flyover: Gandhirajan examined the construction of a major flyover at Goripalayam junction under the highways department, built at an impressive cost of Rs 190 crore. The MLA revealed that 72% of the work is already complete, with 38 out of 39 spans finished. The remaining construction is expected to be completed within 15 days, after which the chief minister will officially inaugurate the bridge.
Meenakshi Temple Renovation: The committee chairman reviewed renovation work at the historic Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple's Veeravasantharayar Mandapam, which is being carried out at a cost of Rs 18.10 crore. This project aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the region while enhancing visitor experience.
Industrial and Urban Development Initiatives
Under the department of cooperation, Gandhirajan inspected an oil extraction unit established in Alagappan Nagar. This facility, owned by Pandian Consumer Cooperative Wholesale Store, operates with an investment of Rs 23 lakh and represents local economic development efforts.
The MLA also examined the construction of an underground sewerage system in North and South Vaigai areas within corporation limits. This crucial infrastructure project is specifically designed to improve wastewater management in newly included municipal areas, addressing growing urban sanitation needs.
Social Welfare and Educational Facilities
Gandhirajan reviewed integrated kitchen facilities in government social justice hostels that provide meals to 512 students from 28 different hostels. These include:
- Eight backward classes welfare hostels
- Seventeen adi dravidar welfare hostels
- Three Kallar reclamation hostels
During this inspection, the MLA assessed both food quality and basic amenities provided to students, emphasizing the importance of proper living conditions for educational success.
Committee Commitments and Budgetary Plans
S Gandhirajan stated that development projects worth Rs 400 crore under the highways department were reviewed during the inspection. He made a significant announcement regarding the estimates committee's future plans, declaring that the committee will report public demands to be included 100% in the budget for the 2026-27 financial year.
"Our committee is committed to ensuring that public needs are fully represented in upcoming budgetary allocations," Gandhirajan emphasized during his review.
Comprehensive Review Meeting
Earlier in the day, Gandhirajan chaired a detailed review meeting at the district collector's office. The session was attended by:
- District Collector K J Praveen Kumar
- Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan
- Members of the estimates committee
- Principal Secretary of assembly, Dr K Srinivasan
- Deputy Secretary Mr K Balakrishnan
- Several government officials from various departments
This coordinated approach ensured comprehensive oversight of all development projects and facilitated inter-departmental coordination for smoother implementation of public works across Madurai district.
