Chennai, Aug 5:
The Tamil Nadu government’s 2026–27 Budget laid strong emphasis on emerging technologies, urban housing and city infrastructure, with key announcements aimed at driving digital transformation and improving urban living standards.
In the technology sector, the Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission (TN AI Mission) will be strengthened to expand its scope to Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, AVGC-XR and sector-wide AI applications. The government also announced the rollout of e-Sevai 2.0 centres across the State to enhance digital public service delivery. Further, the ‘Namma Arasu’ WhatsApp chatbot will be significantly expanded from 76 to 275 public welfare services, improving citizen access to government schemes. A total of Rs 398 crore has been allocated to the AI, Information Technology and Digital Services Department.
On the housing front, the government unveiled the MY-HOME (Metropolitan Youth and Family Housing) scheme for Chennai, a major initiative to address urban housing needs. The project will be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore and aims to construct one lakh houses over the next seven years for low-income families and youth. The State will provide Rs 3,500 crore as viability gap funding to support the initiative.
In a major urban rejuvenation effort, the government announced plans to transform the Cooum and Adyar rivers into world-class urban waterways. The project will involve preparation of a detailed feasibility study and report, with proposals including boating facilities, riverfront promenades and recreational spaces. The initiative is expected to enhance Chennai’s urban landscape and create new public spaces along the river corridors.
Overall, the Budget signals a forward-looking approach, combining investments in advanced technologies, affordable housing and urban infrastructure to support sustainable development in Tamil Nadu.