The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled its ambitious Budget for 2025-26, outlining a strategic roadmap for economic growth through tourism, cultural initiatives, and infrastructure development. With a vision to achieve a one trillion-dollar economy, the state has introduced significant measures to enhance connectivity, preserve heritage, and boost tourism investments. Mr. Thangam Thenarasu, Minister for Finance, Government of tamil Nadu presented his budget today March 14, 2025 at Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Budget Allocations and Key Announcements
The total allocation for the Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments Department stands at Rs. 524.16 crore, of which Rs. 272.46 crore is earmarked for the tourism sector. This marks the lowest tourism budget allocation among major Indian states, highlighting the need for increased investment in this critical sector.
Additionally, Rs. 20,722 crore has been allocated for highways and ports development, with a focus on major projects such as the Chennai elevated road, industrial corridor enhancements, and road safety measures. These initiatives aim to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and support economic expansion.
Renaming of the Thiruvalluvar Statue
In a historic announcement, the towering Saint Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari has been renamed âThe Statue of Wisdomâ. This renaming, declared by the Chief Minister during its Silver Jubilee celebrations, is a tribute to Tamil heritage and universal wisdom. The statue remains a symbol of peace and cultural pride, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
According to Finance Minister, Tamil Nadu has once again etched its name in history by honoring Saint Thiruvalluvar, the revered poet-philosopher, as an embodiment of wisdom and universal brotherhood.The Tamil community worldwide recently celebrated the silver jubilee of the iconic Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari. Towering amidst the roaring waves, this monumental figure has stood as a symbol of peace and guidance for Tamils across generations.
Recently Mr. M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has unveiled the glass bridge from Vivekananda rock to Thiruvalluvar statue. This glass bridge is constructed having a breadth of 10 m and a span of 77 m, at a cost of about âč37 crore. Marking the occasion, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu announced that the statue, originally erected by Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar, will now be known as âThe Statue of Wisdom.â Declaring its timeless significance, he emphasized that the monument will stand as long as the seas and mountains endure, continuing to inspire generations.
Mr. Thangam Thenarasu, Minister for Finance also announced that, As tourists from across the country continue to visit the glass fibre bridge inaugurated by the HonâbleChief Minister of Tamil Nadu during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Saint Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari, additional passenger boats will be operated from Chinna Muttam Port as a second terminal to the Thiruvalluvar statue.
Guided by his steadfast principle â âWe shall do what we say and say what we doââthe Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to Tamil Naduâs progress. This historic announcement underscores Tamil Naduâs rich cultural legacy and its unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating its heritage.
Tourism Development Initiatives
Tourism has been identified as one of eighteen priority sectors in Tamil Naduâs economic strategy. To foster growth and investment, the government will introduce the âTamil Nadu Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Actâ. Major developments include:
Rs. 300 crore investment in modern tourism infrastructure at key destinations such as Mamallapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Tiruchendur, Palani, and Nagore-Velankanni.
Establishment of dedicated development authorities for Mamallapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchendur, and Rameswaram to coordinate and implement tourism projects effectively.
Rs. 100 crore allocated for enhancing lesser-known tourist destinations across Tamil Nadu.
Development of a 52-acre Eco Park in Udhagamandalam at a cost of Rs. 70 crore, featuring spice gardens, urban forestry, bird-watching zones, and nature trails to boost eco-tourism.
Identification of heritage and nature trails such as the Mamallapuram-Marakanam coastal trail, Trichy-Thanjavur-Nagapattinam Chola trail, Madurai-Sivaganga heritage trail, and Coimbatore-Pollachi nature trail to attract private investment.
Restoration of 17 heritage structures including the Oriental Research Institute (University of Madras), Desingu Raja Rani Memorial, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Research Institute, Rani Mangammal Fort complex, and Mahakavi Bharathiyar Illam with an allocation of Rs. 150 crore.
Expansion of passenger boat services from Chinna Muttam Port to the Thiruvalluvar statue, facilitating increased tourist movement.
Infrastructure and Road Development
Tamil Nadu remains a leader in road infrastructure, with 16,500 km of roads developed under the Chief Ministerâs Road Development Scheme. Key upcoming projects include:
A 14.2 km four-lane elevated road from Thiruvanmiyur to Uthandi along the East Coast Road (ECR) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,100 crore to address Chennaiâs traffic congestion.
Feasibility study for a 28 km four-lane road from Karunguzhi (Chengalpattu) to Mamallapuram via Thirukkazhukundram to improve regional connectivity.
Greening Highways Initiative: 10 lakh native trees including Neem, Indian Beech, Jamun, and Tamarind to be planted and geotagged for systematic maintenance.
Roadside Infrastructure Development: Establishment of facilities at 10 key locations on state highways, featuring food stalls, accommodations, e-vehicle charging stations, first-aid services, and retail outlets.
Rs. 200 crore allocated under the Accident-Free State Initiative to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities in high-risk zones.
Promotion of Tamil Literature and Culture
The state government has announced major initiatives to preserve and promote Tamil heritage:
Thirukkural Global Translation Project: Rs. 1.33 crore allocated to translate Thirukkural into 45 additional world languages, ensuring it reaches all 193 UN-recognized nations.
Tamil Literary Works Translation Project: Rs. 10 crore allocated to translate 500 Tamil literary masterpieces into English over five years, in collaboration with national and international publishers.
Machine Translation for Technical Texts: Rs. 2 crore allocated for translating advanced medical and engineering textbooks into Tamil.
Digitization of Ancient Manuscripts: Rs. 2 crore earmarked for the preservation of rare Tamil palm-leaf manuscripts and handwritten records.
Tamil Book Fairs to be hosted in major Indian cities and internationally in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, with an allocation of Rs. 2 crore.
Rs. 10 crore allocated to introduce Tamil heritage systematically to younger Tamil generations abroad through educational programs.
Establishing the Antiquity of Tamil Culture
The Tamil Nadu Government is working tirelessly to establish the antiquity of Tamil culture not only in literature and history but also through archaeological excavations accredited by the academic community.
Recent research findings from world-renowned laboratories have confirmed that iron smelting technology was introduced in the Tamil region as early as 5,300 years ago, marking a significant milestone in Tamil heritage. These findings have been widely celebrated by historians and archaeologists worldwide.
Future Archaeological Excavations
To further showcase Tamil culture, archaeological excavations will be carried out at:
Within Tamil Nadu: Keezhadi, Pattanamarudur, Karivalamvanthanallur, Nagapattinam, Manikkollai, Adichanur, Vellalur, and Thelunganur.
Beyond Tamil Nadu: Palur in Odisha, Vengi in Andhra Pradesh, and Maski in Karnataka.
Scientific Analysis of Archaeological Discoveries
Artifacts from these excavations will undergo advanced analyses, including:
Ancient DNA analysis
Metallurgical studies
Micro Botany
Pollen analysis
Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating
Ceramic technology
These analyses will be conducted in collaboration with world-renowned research institutions, with Rs. 7 crore allocated for archaeological excavations and scientific research in 2025-26.
The Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for economic growth by integrating tourism, infrastructure, and cultural preservation into its development agenda. While tourism funding remains lower than in other major Indian states, the planned legislative and infrastructure measures could position Tamil Nadu as a leading global tourism hub. The stateâs commitment to road safety, heritage conservation, and cultural promotion reflects a well-rounded approach to sustainable development, reinforcing its vision of becoming a one trillion-dollar economy.
