Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday launched a major development push for Madurai, inaugurating dozens of completed projects and unveiling new welfare measures for over a lakh beneficiaries. The visit, marked by a grand reception from party cadres at the airport, focused on infrastructure and public assistance.
Major Projects Inaugurated and Welfare Distributed
During his visit, the Chief Minister formally opened 63 completed development projects with a total value of ₹2,630.88 crore. A key highlight was the inauguration of the ₹150.28 crore flyover at Apollo Junction on the busy Madurai–Thondi Road, aimed at easing traffic congestion.
He also laid the foundation stone for seven new projects costing ₹17.17 crore. In a significant move for local residents, the government distributed welfare assistance to a massive 1,41,049 beneficiaries. Of these, 63,698 individuals received pattas (land deeds) from the revenue and disaster management department, while 77,351 beneficiaries were covered under various other departmental schemes.
Business Chamber's Urgent Appeal for Madurai's Growth
Coinciding with the CM's visit and the upcoming 'TN Rising - Madurai Investment Conclave' on December 7, the Agri and All Trade Chamber presented a strong case for a special development package for the historic city. Chamber President S Rethinavelu emphasized that Madurai's role in southern Tamil Nadu's economy requires decisive action.
He expressed deep concern over the city's poor performance in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 survey, stating it tarnishes the image of this major tourism, medical, and industrial hub. "If the state government does not take immediate and strong corrective measures, this stigma will severely hinder Madurai's growth in all sectors," Rethinavelu warned. He proposed forming a high-level committee, led by the CM, to implement sanitation measures on a "war footing," inspired by Indore's model.
Key Demands: Airport, Bus Port, and Trade Centre
The chamber raised several long-pending infrastructure demands. A primary issue is the upgradation of Madurai Airport. Despite handling the highest international passenger traffic among India's customs airports, it lacks full international status. Rethinavelu noted that its exclusion from bilateral air service agreements restricts direct foreign flights, hurting medical tourism and exports.
He suggested an alternate access road via the Thiagarajar Mill junction to the Ambedkar statue, as the proposed runway underpass on Aruppukottai Road was denied. Other demands include:
- A modern integrated bus port similar to Chennai's Kilambakkam to decongest the city centre, reviving an earlier proposal near Karadikal.
- Establishing a 15 to 20-acre convention and trade centre akin to facilities in Chennai and Coimbatore.
- Developing cold storage and irradiation facilities to boost exports.
During his visit, Stalin also participated in the IDA Scudder investor meet and laid foundation stones for additional projects at the Kalaignar Thidal in Uthangudi. For security during the CM's tour, the district administration imposed a two-day ban on drones and unmanned aerial vehicles across key areas including the airport, travel routes, Melamadai, and Uthangudi.
