"Stalin lays the foundation stone for a new multimodal complex at Broadway, integrating the historic Kuralagam building into the development."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently laid the foundation stone for the integrated development of a Multi-Modal Facility Complex (MMFC) with Kuralagam at Broadway in Chennai, to be built at a cost of ₹822.70 crore.

According to an official release, the MMFC will come up on an area of 26,240 sq. ft. with a total built-up space of 1.36 lakh sq. ft. The project will comprise two towers—one with nine floors to house the MMFC and another with 10 floors for Kuralagam. The complex will include para-transit facilities and parking space for over 400 cars and more than 1,100 two-wheelers.

The State government had announced the project during the demand for grants for 2022–23 in the Assembly, following which orders were issued to sanction the required funds.

Later in the day, Mr. Stalin inaugurated a wedding hall named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, constructed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority at a cost of ₹21.50 crore. He also presided over the weddings of 10 couples held at the venue.

Addressing the newlyweds, the Chief Minister appealed to them to give their children Tamil names, clarifying that his remark was not intended to criticise anyone. Recalling the origin of his own name, he said his father, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, had named him after Russian leader Joseph Stalin.

Highlighting the State government’s initiatives, Mr. Stalin said Chennai was now better equipped to handle heavy rainfall due to various flood mitigation measures. He cited projects such as the Metro Rail, infrastructure upgrades and healthcare initiatives as part of the government’s broader efforts to develop the city.

Referring to past flooding, including the 2015 floods, he said the situation in Chennai had significantly improved. He also listed infrastructure projects such as the Mayor Chittibabu Flyover, T. Nagar Skywalk, J. Anbazhagan Flyover and Chengai Sivam Flyover as key achievements.

Ministers K.N. Nehru and P.K. Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, MLAs Thayagam Kavi, A. Vetriazhagan and Joseph Samuel, along with senior officials, were present at the events.