Vijay Seeks Pending Education Funds and New Metro Projects

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has asked the central government to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funding without conditions and reconsider metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. Speaking in Chennai on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay also sought national priority for a river-linking project and approval for a metro connection between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The education funding demand concerns the Centre's share under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme. Vijay requested the release of the outstanding amount without additional conditions, making education financing a key issue during the Prime Minister's visit to the state.

"Under the SSA scheme, an amount of Rs 5,110 crore of the central share is due to Tamil Nadu. I request the Government of India to release the amount without any conditionalities," said Vijay, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

Vijay also acknowledged infrastructure initiatives inaugurated or launched during Modi's visit, including Chennai Metro Rail Phase II. He welcomed the Prime Minister on behalf of Tamil Nadu's residents and expressed appreciation for the Union government's infrastructure investments.

"On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister and extend thanks for the inauguration of Chennai Metro Rail project Phase 2 and also for the inauguration, foundation, and stone laying of various infrastructure projects," said Vijay.

On regional connectivity, Vijay highlighted two high-speed rail corridors connecting Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai that were announced in the Union Budget 2026. He also called for the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking initiative to receive national priority, citing its potential to augment water resources across southern states.

"I thank the Prime Minister for announcing two high-speed rail corridors between Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai in the Union Budget 2026. These projects will surely benefit this region... Godavari-Cauvery linkage project represents an important opportunity for augmenting water resources in southern states. I request the Government of India to accord priority and take it up as a national project...," said Vijay.

The Chief Minister separately called for reconsideration of metro proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, arguing that the projects were relevant to the future development and economic growth of western and southern Tamil Nadu. He also sought approval for a cross-border metro corridor linking Hosur in Tamil Nadu with Bommasandra in Karnataka.

"I request the Prime Minister to reconsider the proposal for the construction of the Metro Rail in Coimbatore and Madurai cities in view of the future development and economic growth of the western and southern parts of Tamil Nadu. I also request approval for an interstate metro rail line from Hosur in Tamil Nadu to Bommasandra in Karnataka for the benefit of both the states," said Vijay.

The requests were made as Modi visited Chennai for infrastructure-related inaugurations and project launches, including initiatives intended to strengthen transportation connectivity across Tamil Nadu.