Tamil Nadu Budget: Western districts to gain from textile, tourism, and energy initiatives

The Tamil Nadu government's maiden Budget for 2026-27 promises significant boosts for the state's western districts in sectors such as textiles, electricity, and tourism. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson unveiled several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth in these areas.

In the textile industry, Tiruppur, a key garment-exporting hub, will undergo infrastructure upgrades in multiple phases to promote environmentally sustainable production. A ₹10 crore Tiruppur Textiles Technology Centre will be established to foster innovation and eco-friendly practices. The government is also setting up a design institute with industry and academic collaboration, investing ₹60 crore, to boost technical textiles, an emerging sector in Tamil Nadu.

Salem is among five districts where an institution for persons with intellectual disabilities, 'Nambikkai Illam', will be established, with the first phase focusing on day school operations for 50 students each.

For energy, the State will implement the Coimbatore-Ariyalur 765 kV Transmission Line Project through public-private partnership, amounting to ₹4,000 crore. The Phase-II Green Energy Corridor Project, valued at ₹1,187 crore, will be expedited alongside the Virudhunagar-Coimbatore 765 kV Transmission Project, valued at ₹1,640 crore. Additionally, a ₹53 crore proposal is being pursued to include the Cauvery river, from Hogenakkal to Srirangam, in a new river tourism initiative across Tamil Nadu.

Tourism is set to benefit from the Tamil Nadu Eco-Tourism Mission, which will develop and expand nature-based tourism circuits and destinations. This initiative seeks to leverage trekking routes, wildlife safaris, birding, boating trails, eco-friendly stays, and visitor centers to promote sustainable travel in the state's diverse landscapes.

The Mission will involve active community participation and address long-standing demands, such as addressing the issue of human-wildlife conflict through a comprehensive scheme involving scientific measures, community-based protection, and the appointment of forest protection staff.