The Tamil Nadu government has announced the initiation of underground sewerage projects worth ₹3,360 crore across 14 municipal corporations. This initiative, part of the Centre’s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme, aims to enhance sanitation, reduce pollution, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The AMRUT 2.0 scheme, launched in October 2021, focuses on providing universal access to basic urban services such as water supply, sewerage, and sanitation. Tamil Nadu is among the leading states in implementing this scheme, with several major cities set to benefit from the new underground drainage (UGD) works. The cities identified for the ₹3,360 crore sewerage upgrade include Tirunelveli, Vellore, Dindigul, Salem, among others. Over 3,000 kilometres of sewer pipelines will be laid … and new sewage pumping stations will be established. This extensive network is expected to transition over five lakh households from conventional septic tanks to a modern underground sewerage system.
Officials from the Municipal Administration and … have confirmed that preparatory work is nearing completion, and full-scale implementation is expected to begin within a month. The project is slated to be completed within two years, with timelines varying by location due to the size and complexity of the projects.
Beyond improving sanitation and public health, the expanded UGD network will significantly reduce pollution in nearby rivers and water bodies. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to modernise urban civic infrastructure under the AMRUT … umbrella.
In total, more than … urban local bodies in Tamil Nadu have received approval for various projects under the scheme. The combined sanctioned cost for these initiatives is ₹14,688 crore, with ₹4,942 crore being contributed by the Union government as central assistance. Officials say the investments will not only enhance the quality of life in urban areas but also lay the foundation for future smart city development and improved environmental sustainability across the state.
This ambitious project underscores Tamil Nadu’s commitment to creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable urban spaces. By investing in modern sewerage infrastructure, the state is taking a significant step towards building smart cities that are resilient, inclusive, and capable of meeting the challenges of rapid urbanisation.
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