MP submits representation to DMK to make Trichy second capital

Trichy: MDMK principal secretary and Trichy MP Durai Vaiko on Monday met the DMK's manifesto drafting committee head MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi with representations seeking Trichy to be declared the second capital of the state. The MP said that naming Trichy as the second capital would ensure uniform growth of the state, besides decongesting Chennai."Chennai could continue as the financial capital of the state, while Trichy can serve as the political and legislature capital. Any part of the state could be reached from Trichy in about five hours, so people from western and southern districts can also travel for their administrative needs with ease," Durai Vaiko said.He also sought a separate Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) division headquartered at Trichy by bifurcating Kumbakonam division. Stating that Trichy is the only major city in the state that lacks a dedicated TNSTC division, the MP said that public transport infrastructure could improve if the state fulfilled the demand. Other demands include prioritising Trichy city for the metro rail project alongside Coimbatore and Madurai. While a detailed feasibility report (DFR) for Trichy metro was completed in Aug 2023, there was no progress since then.Durai Vaiko also sought the support of the state govt to submit proposals to the Union govt to include Trichy among the five university townships proposed in the Union budget, and to get an electronics and semiconductor hub under the semiconductor mission phase II in Manapparai Sipcot.