Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has outlined several crucial demands for the Union Budget 2024-25, seeking significant allocations for the state’s development projects. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Stalin highlighted key areas where he expects funding and approvals:

Release of three years' worth of pending funds for the Chennai Metro Rail project.
Approval for the construction of an express flyover connecting Tambaram and Chengalpattu.
A reduction in income tax rates, a longstanding expectation of the middle class for the past decade.
Approval and funding for metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
Allocation of funds for pending railway projects under both old and new schemes in Tamil Nadu.
An increase in the slab rate for houses being constructed under rural and urban housing development schemes.

Earlier this year, Stalin sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the expedited approval of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) project. In his letter, Stalin expressed frustration over the delay in approving Phase II, which covers three additional corridors spanning 119 kilometers and is estimated to cost Rs 63,246 crore. He emphasized that Phase I of the project, a joint venture between the Union Government and Tamil Nadu, had been successful and sought similar swift action for Phase II.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) and NITI Aayog have endorsed the eagerly awaited Phase II of the CMRL project. Despite this, Stalin has expressed concerns over the central government's delay, which could impact the timely execution of the project. In addition to the Chennai Metro Rail project, he has called for approval of the Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail projects and funding for pending railway schemes.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present her seventh Union Budget during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 22. Prior to this, she met with Finance Ministers from various states and Union Territories in New Delhi to discuss their expectations from the upcoming budget. Additionally, she has engaged with stakeholders from various sectors, including trade unions, education, health, employment, MSMEs, trade and services, industry, economists, financial sectors, and infrastructure. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's demands underscore the state’s need for substantial support and timely approvals to advance its infrastructure and development projects.

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