Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved 15 industrial projects involving a total investment of ₹34,237 crore, state Industries Minister T R B Rajaa said.

Once implemented, the projects are expected to generate employment for around 55,000 people. The approvals were granted on Thursday at the 23rd Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister M K Stalin at the Secretariat.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Rajaa said the Cabinet-approved proposals would lead to the expansion of industrial projects across Chennai, Ranipet and Tiruvallur districts, as well as other parts of the state. He added that an international footwear brand would also establish its presence in Tamil Nadu.

According to the minister, the projects will contribute to broad-based development, benefiting several districts including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Tiruppur, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi.

Rajaa said Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, along with the Chief Minister, will inaugurate the Tata Motors–Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) facility in Ranipet district on February 9. He also announced that a “very important project” would be unveiled on February 13, stating that the Adidas brand would be brought to Tamil Nadu.

The minister said a major initiative in the shipbuilding sector, aimed at providing livelihood opportunities for fishers, has also received Cabinet approval. Chennai Radha Engineering Works, a leading Indian firm engaged in manufacturing shipbuilding components, has commenced a project in the state.

In addition, the Cabinet approved a project by an aerospace and defence company involved in producing electronic and mechanical systems, including radar systems, artillery shells and underwater systems.

Projects proposed by Yazaki India Private Limited, a major manufacturer of automotive wiring harnesses, connectors and components, the expansion of Hyundai’s manufacturing facility, and a solar cell manufacturing unit in Thoothukudi were also cleared by the Cabinet, the minister said.

PTI