Interim budget allocates ₹1,694 crore to PWD; highlights challenges in getting funds under JJM

The Public Works Department (PWD) has completed nearly 40% of the work to construct Kalaignar International Convention Centre on East Coast Road at Muttukadu.

The ₹525-crore project, which will be a dedicated venue for big-ticket events, is likely to be open by November this year. This is one of the State’s flagship initiatives that is being undertaken by the PWD. Spread over 37.99 acres, various infrastructure facilities, including exhibition halls and an auditorium with banquet halls, to host conferences, and other major events.

Presenting the interim Budget on Tuesday, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said nearly ₹1,694 crore has been allocated to the PWD. Besides construction of the convention centre at Muttukadu and establishment of grand libraries in various places, the PWD has restored 64 heritage buildings at a cost of ₹471 crore over the past five years.

The fund allocation would enable carrying out ongoing works, including construction of circuit houses across the State, said PWD officials.

Highlighting challenges faced by the State government during the current fiscal, Mr. Thennarasu said the Tamil Nadu government has been denied releases under centrally sponsored schemes, adding to the rising expenditure commitments. A sum of ₹3,112 crore has been denied under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

In the past five years, a total of 87 combined drinking water supply schemes has been completed across the State at a cost of ₹15,591 crores. The schemes implemented through Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board have benefited nearly 1.65 crore residents.

Nearly 116 improvement works worth ₹809 crores are in progress to refurbish infrastructure of 40-year-old water supply schemes, he said. Similarly, the Water Resources Department has been provided ₹10,076 crore in interim budget estimates.