CHENNAI: Making a pointed pitch to retain the Assembly seats in Chennai, which has long remained the DMK’s bastion, party president and Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday unveiled a Chennai district manifesto, laying out a six-point urban roadmap focused on mobility, infrastructure, civic amenities, and high-value employment.
Branded ‘Chennai Super-6’ under the Dravidian Model 2.0 government, the micro manifesto promises upgraded public amenities, including improvements in tenements through residents' welfare women's associations with government funding. It assures RO-purified drinking water in areas without Metro Water links and regulated supply in covered zones, along with installation of high-intensity streetlights across all neighbourhoods. A world-class cultural centre for art, music and literature has also been proposed.
To improve connectivity, its government would operate 1,000 mini-buses linking interior streets with bus stops, and Metro and railway stations, the manifesto said. An artificial intelligence-based traffic management system is proposed to ease congestion and reduce travel time by up to 25 per cent.
Besides proposing projects, the document also sets timelines for key projects, including completion of the Chennai Peripheral Road from Ennore to Poonjeri and more than major infrastructure works by 2027. Metro Rail expansion and stormwater drain works are targeted for 2028, while the underground sewerage network is slated for completion by 2027.
Upgraded roads with wider footpaths, tree cover, and public sanitation facilities are promised by 2029.
The party proposed a humane and scientific approach to tackle the rising stray dog menace by expanding the Animal Birth Control programme, tripling veterinary staff and dog catchers, and creating larger shelters with NGOs.
It also proposes a global hub for AI, animation, visual effects, gaming and immersive technologies with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, projected to generate 20,000 high-paying jobs through a Global Talent Gateway, backed by advanced skill development and research centres.
Chennai district secretaries, including Ma Subramanian and PK Sekarbabu, were present at the event.