Corp budget aims at improvement of facilities, infrastructure

Chennai, Mar 12 (UNI) A tax-free budget laced with a slew of schemes to beautify the Marina and the other beaches in the city, improvement of facilities in parks, increased grant for roads, and construction of new bridges was presented by Chennai Corporation Mayor M Subramanian.

Presenting the budget proposals, he said steps would be taken to construct flyovers in North and South Chennai, identified by the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Finance Service Limited.

He said a bridge would be constructed across Cooum River near Egmore Anderson Road to connect Greams road with Ethiraj road to ease traffic.

A mini-subway would also be constructed at a cost of Rs 93 lakh in North Chennai.

Roads on the main bus routes coming under the corporation would get a facelift at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

Mr Subramanian said the three-km-long Marina beach, the Secretariat beach and the Elliots beach would get a facelift at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Under the project, pedestrain path, lawns, colourful plants, fountains and lighting would be set up.

The state government would bear 75 per cent of the cost, he pointed out.

One hundred parks coming under the Corporation, including Natesan, Thiruvallur, Thiru Vi Ka Parks would be beautified at a cost of Rs 10 crore.

The Corporation would also provide scholarship of Rs 25,000 each to 25 plus two students for pursuing engineering and medical courses till they complete their degree. For arts and science students assistance ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 would be provided.

Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance, Radha Sambadam said for the fiscal 2007-08, the revenue would be Rs 702 crore and the revenue expenditure would be Rs 699 crore.

UNI