Tamil Nadu announces major industrial park and EV manufacturing expansions

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S Keerthana announced several major industrial expansion plans during an Assembly debate, including the development of a 2,570-acre industrial park at Mudaivaithanendal in Thoothukudi. This project is expected to attract approximately Rs 5,000 crore in investment and create 20,000 jobs. Additionally, the state plans to establish a 1,294-acre electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing park in Sillanatham, targeting Rs 7,000 crore in investment and 10,000 jobs.

Other initiatives include smaller industrial parks in Villupuram and Namakkal, a digital industrial-safety monitoring system, and an incentive framework for semiconductor companies. The state also intends to study becoming a “Quantum Safe” jurisdiction to protect digital infrastructure in sectors such as aerospace and defense.

The announcement coincided with a heated debate regarding the state's investment climate. Following claims by a DMK MLA of a significant decline in industrial investments, Minister Keerthana dismissed such figures, citing an unreliable report from a private publication, Projects Today, which she characterized as “paid news.” The remarks drew objections from opposition members who argued the comments insulted the media and democracy.