Tamil Nadu Announces Free LPG Cylinders, Expanded Bus Travel, and Airport Shift
In a series of announcements, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay unveiled a new scheme to provide free cooking gas cylinders to eligible families, citing rising prices and shortages caused by the ongoing war in the Gulf region. The initiative, named the 'Annapoorani Super Six Scheme', aims to reduce household expenditure.
Free LPG Cylinders for Families
Under the scheme, the Tamil Nadu government will provide six free LPG cylinders to every eligible family each year, according to a report by Hindustan Times. In the initial phase, three free cylinders will be given to each family, with subsequent costs credited directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts. The scheme is expected to launch by January 2027, after the Pongal harvest festival.
"This will reduce the burden of the people who have been spending extra amount to obtain the cylinders. The government has decided to provide the cost of the cooking gas cylinders," Chief Minister Vijay said in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The government has allocated ₹4,000 crore annually for the scheme. It is expected to benefit 1,30,16,104 families, including those with annual incomes up to ₹2.5 lakh, economically backward families, small and medium farmers, differently abled individuals, and poor households.
Expanded Bus Travel Benefits
In addition to the LPG scheme, Vijay announced free bus travel for transgender persons. The existing 'Vettri Payana Thittam' scheme for women was also expanded to include free travel on Express, LSS, and Deluxe services, as well as inter-district bus services. These measures are expected to cost the state government an additional ₹6,000 crore annually.
Airport Plans Revised
Vijay reiterated his government's opposition to the proposed airport at Parandur near Chennai, a project that has faced resistance from farmers and local residents. He said his government stands with those affected and is exploring alternative locations. Instead, a new Terminal 5 will be constructed at Chennai's existing Meenambakkam airport, according to the chief minister.
Context and Rationale
The LPG scheme was announced in response to the current war situation in the Gulf region, which has led to a shortage of cooking gas cylinders and rising prices. "Keeping this in mind, even during a financially constrained situation, in order to lighten the financial burden on the public, protect their welfare, and fulfill the promise made to the people, the government has decided to provide them with the amount spent toward cooking gas cylinders," Vijay said.
These announcements were made during a session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with the chief minister outlining the government's plans to address public welfare and infrastructure concerns.