Chennai allocates 1,660 crore for infrastructure improvements

Chennai city plans to improve its infrastructure this year, focusing on roads, stormwater drains, and bus terminals. The corporation has allocated 1,660 crore in funding, mainly from loans and grants, for these projects. The budget for road repairs has nearly doubled, increasing from 305 crore last year to 628 crore this year. Key roads such as Kamarajar Salai, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, and Kodambakkam High Road will be resurfaced. In addition, 200 bus shelters will be upgraded with new facilities. Chief engineer K Vijayakumar said the corporation is also installing CCTV cameras in unsafe areas to enhance public safety. Three major bus stands in Saidapet, Guindy, and Ekkatuthangal will be modernized with air-conditioned waiting areas and drinking water. Four other bus terminals will also be improved, offering better amenities like waiting lounges, improved facilities for drivers, and digital boards showing bus arrival times. The allocation for stormwater drains is 1,032 crore, supported by funds from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund and other sources. These improvements aim to reduce flooding in areas like Kosasthalaiyar and Kovalam. However, some experts believe Chennai needs more ambitious plans for its growth. K R Shanmugam from Madras School of Economics noted that despite recent tax increases, Chennai has lower property tax compared to other major cities. He suggested the corporation could look to raise taxes and improve its revenue from non-tax sources like rents and parking fees. Despite the increase in revenue, a large portion of the budget goes to salaries and other administrative expenses. Shanmugam criticized the 9% increase in official salaries, arguing it should follow the government's limit of 3% per year, suggesting a review of the budget may be necessary.