Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister, Thangam Thenarasu, announced a new airport in Rameswaram and several initiatives to boost tourism, maritime industries, and life sciences during the 2025-26 budget presentation. The projects aim to create jobs and preserve cultural heritage while positioning Tamil Nadu as a leader in various sectors.Key Takeaways
- New airport announced in Rameswaram to boost tourism.
- Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025 introduced.
- 30,000 jobs expected from maritime industry growth.
- Bioscience park to be developed near Chennai.
- Archaeological excavations planned across multiple districts.
Chennai, March 14 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thangam Thenarasu, announced during the presentation of the state’s Budget for 2025-26 on Friday, the plans for a new airport in the Rameswaram region of Ramanathapuram district.
This initiative is designed to enhance tourism in South Tamil Nadu and foster the economic advancement of the area.
To rejuvenate Tamil Nadu’s maritime legacy and establish the state as a prominent center for shipbuilding, the Finance Minister introduced the Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025.
This policy emphasizes nurturing investment and innovation in the fields of ship and boat design, hull fabrication, and engine production.
The expansion of this sector is projected to create 30,000 jobs in districts like Cuddalore and Thoothukudi, while also enhancing the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.
To bolster the life sciences ecosystem and position Tamil Nadu as a frontrunner in emerging domains such as biosimilars and therapeutics, the government plans to establish a cutting-edge bioscience park near Chennai.
This park will include world-class infrastructure, such as shared testing centers, laboratories, and advanced facilities essential for producing high-value products.
Furthermore, the park will provide plug-and-play manufacturing spaces to stimulate investments in the sector. The government has earmarked Rs 3,915 crore for the Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce Department in the Budget Estimates for 2025-26.
In its ongoing efforts to highlight Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage, the state government has scheduled archaeological excavations at various sites, including Keezhadi (Sivaganga district), Pattanamarudur (Thoothukudi district), Karivalamvanthanallur (Tenkasi district), Nagapattinam (Nagapattinam district), Manikkollai (Cuddalore district), Adichanur (Kallakurichi district), Vellalur (Coimbatore district), and Thelunganur (Salem district).
The search for the ancient Tamil cultural identity will also extend to neighboring states, including Palur in Odisha, Vengi in Andhra Pradesh, and Maski in Karnataka.
The Finance Minister also revealed a Rs 1 crore prize for the World Tamil Olympiad. Additionally, the state will facilitate the translation of the Thirukkural into 45 languages globally, further elevating Tamil literature and philosophy on the international stage.
Through these strategic initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government aspires to propel economic growth, safeguard cultural heritage, and establish the state as a leader across various industries.
