Trichy Interim Budget Draws Criticism for Overlooking Key Infrastructure Projects
Residents of Trichy have expressed significant disappointment following the recent interim budget announcement, which notably omitted any mention of fund allocation or land acquisition status for two long-pending elevated corridor projects. These projects are crucial for alleviating the city's escalating traffic congestion, a problem that has been worsening over the years.
Details of the Pending Elevated Corridor Projects
The proposed infrastructure includes a 2.6-kilometer flyover connecting Odathurai near the Cauvery bridge to Mallachipuram on the Trichy-Karur national highway, and a 2.7-kilometer flyover between the Head Post Office (HPO) and Puthur signals. Since their inception in 2021-22, these projects have seen minimal progress, with the state highways department yet to allocate necessary funds or commence any construction work.
Official sources have confirmed that land plan schedules (LPS) for both elevated corridors remain pending, further delaying any potential advancements. Additionally, the budget did not address the proposed link road between the MGR statue in Cantonment and Sunnambukaranpatti, adding to the list of neglected infrastructure initiatives.
Resident and Advocacy Group Reactions
V B Jaganath, a representative from Trichy Intra-City Development Endeavours (TIDES), voiced the community's frustration, stating, "It is a double blow for Trichy as neither the Trichy metro nor the elevated roads have materialised. Arterial roads are choked even during non-peak hours. We expected a firm commitment from the government." This sentiment reflects broader concerns among residents who rely on these projects to improve daily commutes and reduce traffic bottlenecks.
Positive Aspects of the Budget
Despite the oversight on elevated corridors, the interim budget did receive praise for other announcements. Industry bodies, such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Trichy zone, welcomed the focus on tier-II and tier-III cities. Key highlights include:
- A 1,070 crore allocation for regional TIDEL parks, aimed at boosting economic growth in smaller urban areas.
- Continued support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital for local employment and development.
- A 374 crore allocation for riverfront development across the state, including specific work along the Cauvery River in Trichy. This project proposes amenities such as sewage treatment plants to curb wastewater discharge, streetlights, and public parks, potentially enhancing environmental sustainability and recreational spaces.
Summary of Budget Impacts
In summary, while the budget introduced beneficial measures for regional development and environmental initiatives, it fell short in addressing critical transportation needs. The lack of information on elevated corridors and link roads has left many in Trichy concerned about ongoing traffic issues, underscoring a gap between governmental priorities and resident expectations for infrastructure improvement.
