‘Only with proactive government intervention can larger, essential infrastructure projects be realised in Madurai’

Welcoming the ‘Tamil Nadu Rising – Madurai Investment Conclave’ to be held on December 7, Agri and All Trade Chamber urged Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to look into the infrastructure required for the inclusive growth of Madurai.

In a press release, its president S. Rethinavelu said the Chief Minister’s participation in the forthcoming conclave with its focus on ‘Inclusive Distributed Growth’, brings great hope to the people of the region.

Referring to the Swachh Survekshan, 2025, Survey Report in which Madurai was ranked at the bottom as the most dirtiest city, he said for a historic temple city, a cultural heritage city, a major tourist destination, a trade and industrial hub, a centre for advanced medical care and the Gateway of Southern Tamil Nadu this had brought enormous disgrace.

He said if the State government did not take immediate and strong corrective measures this stigma would severely hinder Madurai’s growth. While voluntary efforts by the people of Madurai were visible in pockets, well planned government initiatives and strict enforcement can transform Madurai into a clean and sustainable city. Special schemes should be introduced in this regard.

He urged the Chief Minister to constitute a high-level committee comprising senior officials under his leadership, to take up these measures on a war footing.

Mr. Rethinavelu said setting up essential industrial infrastructure at Madurai will attract investments. Many existing infrastructure facilities in Madurai came into place mainly due to persistent efforts of various industrial and trade chambers. Only with proactive government intervention can larger, essential infrastructure projects be realised in Madurai.

The neglect of Madurai Airport Development should be addressed. A Modern Integrated Bus Terminal equivalent to the facilities at an airport was required that combined city buses, intercity/express buses, regional/national long-distance buses with metro, rail and airport connectivity, he said.

Establishment of a large Convention and Trade Centre in Madurai was required. Madurai lacked a large-scale Convention and Trade Centre like the Chennai Trade Centre and Codissia in Coimbatore. The small exhibition halls cannot serve the growing industrial and export needs of Madurai and Southern Tamil Nadu, he said.