CM urges JICA to give early nod for key projects

JICA team visits OP block it funded at Institute of Child Health, calls TN its ‘model partner’

CHENNAI: Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday requested the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) to accord early approval to some key projects proposed by Tamil Nadu government for JICA assistance.

The projects include the 400 MLD desalination plant for Chennai, Chennai Metro Rail project phase II, Tamil Nadu investment promotion programme phase II, Chennai peripheral ring road project with intelligent transport system, and the Chennai urban infrastructure project. 


The CM made this request when the JICA delegation led by its president Shinichi Kitaoka held discussions at the secretariat. During the interaction, he highlighted that the involvement of JICA in TN had been very beneficial to the people of the State and that JICA was an important partner in implementing the Tamil Nadu Vision 2023 and that the Tamil Nadu government looked forward to a  continued support and assistance of JICA. 


The Chief Minister thanked the president of JICA for the special grant of `88 crore provided for the construction of an outpatient block in the Institute of Child Health, Chennai and said that the most modern facility was ready for inauguration. To this,  the JICA president expressed great satisfaction with his visit to this institute earlier in the day. He also hailed Tamil Nadu as a ‘model partner of JICA.’ 


During the deliberations, it was highlighted by the Japanese side that the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme (TNIPP) Phase I was a great success and JICA was ready to move to TNIPP Phase II within the current fiscal year. It was also indicated that the Chennai Metro Rail phase-I extension project is at the final stage of appraisal and approval. The JICA team also said that implementation of ongoing projects was proceeding satisfactorily. 


The Chief Minister thanked JICA for its full support and cooperation for some very important projects in Tamil Nadu. 


Senior ministers Edappadi K Palaniswami, SP. Velumani, MC Sampath, C Vijaya Baskar, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, Adviser to government,  Sheela Balakrishnan, and senior officials took part in the meeting. 

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