The widest ramification seems to be the
announcement of a Multi Modal Transport Integration Study to be carried
out over the financial year.

Other major announcements included
identification of four sites based on traffic flow patterns for flyover
projects, and the allocation of `1,250 crore towards plan expenditure on
urban development schemes.

The Multi Modal Transport Study is
aimed at bringing different modes of transport and transport networks to
mesh with each other in a way that provides increased connectivity
within Chennai’s metropolitan spread.

“During 2013-2014, a study
on the Multi Modal Transport Integration in Chennai City will be taken
up by this Government,” said Finance Minister while delivering the
Budget speech.

The announcement also entailed a `750 crore allocation towards the Chennai Metro Rail project.

The
government has also proposed to construct four flyovers in Chennai, at
locations chosen on the basis of the Chennai City Traffic and
Transportation Study (CTTS).

A plan allocation of `1,250 crore was
made towards various urban development works under the Chennai Mega
City Development Mission and the Integrated Urban Development Mission.
Additional work will be taken up to ensure the creation of an underwater
sewerage network in 40 local bodies that were merged with the Chennai
Corporation in 2011.

The government also introduced a cap on the
allocation of funds for projects taken up by local bodies. The
government will now fund not more than 75 per cent of a project cost for
financially strong local bodies and 90 per cent for weaker ones. This
means local bodies like the Chennai Corporation would have to fund the
remaining 25 per cent from their own revenues or through institutional
loans.