MDMK Leader Durai Vaiko Advocates for Trichy as Tamil Nadu's Second Capital
In a significant move to reshape Tamil Nadu's administrative landscape, MDMK principal secretary and Trichy MP Durai Vaiko met with DMK's manifesto drafting committee head, MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, on Monday. The meeting centered on formal representations urging the state government to declare Trichy as the second capital of Tamil Nadu. This proposal aims to foster more balanced regional development and alleviate the congestion currently burdening Chennai.
Rationale for Decentralizing State Capital Functions
Durai Vaiko articulated a compelling vision for Trichy's enhanced role, emphasizing that designating it as a second capital would ensure uniform growth across Tamil Nadu. "Chennai could continue as the financial capital of the state, while Trichy can serve as the political and legislature capital," he stated. He highlighted Trichy's strategic geographic advantage, noting that any part of the state could be reached from Trichy in about five hours. This accessibility would particularly benefit residents from western and southern districts, enabling them to travel more easily for administrative purposes and reducing the reliance on Chennai.
Infrastructure and Transport Demands for Trichy
Beyond the capital status, Durai Vaiko presented a series of infrastructure demands to bolster Trichy's development:
- Separate TNSTC Division: He called for the bifurcation of the Kumbakonam division to establish a dedicated Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) division headquartered in Trichy. The MP pointed out that Trichy is the only major city in Tamil Nadu lacking its own TNSTC division, and argued that this change would significantly improve public transport infrastructure.
- Metro Rail Project: The MP urged the state government to prioritize Trichy for the metro rail project, placing it alongside Coimbatore and Madurai. He noted that a detailed feasibility report (DFR) for the Trichy metro was completed in August 2023, but progress has stalled since then, and he seeks renewed momentum.
Additional Proposals for Educational and Industrial Growth
Durai Vaiko also sought state government support to advance Trichy's educational and industrial sectors:
- University Township Inclusion: He requested assistance in submitting proposals to the Union government to include Trichy among the five university townships proposed in the Union budget, aiming to enhance higher education infrastructure.
- Electronics and Semiconductor Hub: The MP advocated for establishing an electronics and semiconductor hub under the semiconductor mission phase II in Manapparai Sipcot, which could drive technological innovation and create jobs in the region.
These comprehensive demands reflect a broader strategy to decentralize Tamil Nadu's administrative and economic functions, promoting regional equity and sustainable development. The meeting with Kanimozhi marks a pivotal step in advocating for these changes, with potential implications for the state's future governance and infrastructure planning.
