Madhavaram constituency in northern Chennai, represented by DMK's S. Sudharsanam since 2016 (re-elected in 2021 with 50.04% vote share), experienced significant development initiatives between 2021-2026, though rapid urbanization outpaced infrastructure delivery. Major projects included the ₹1,655 crore Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway (18.3 km, under construction), expansion of water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission (Tamil Nadu achieved 90% rural tap connections but Madhavaram areas still face scarcity), and construction of over 3.30 lakh houses under PMAY statewide. Industrial growth was notable with VinFast's ₹16,000 crore electric vehicle plant opening in nearby Thoothuvalai (August 2025) and Tata Motors' ₹9,000 crore facility in Ranipet (February 2026), potentially boosting local employment. Education received ₹46,767 crore budget allocation (2025-26) including the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, while sanitation workers gained ₹10 crore welfare package (August 2025).
Key Achievements
• Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway (18.3 km, ₹1,655 crore) under construction - will be India's longest six-lane elevated road
• Over 3.30 lakh houses constructed in Tamil Nadu under PMAY between May 2021 and October 2024
• VinFast manufacturing plant (US$2 billion investment) inaugurated in Thoothuvalai near Madhavaram in August 2025, creating significant employment opportunities
• Tamil Nadu achieved 90% rural household tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission by 2026
• Over 2.43 lakh toilets constructed in rural Tamil Nadu since 2021 under Swachh Bharat Mission
• Education budget of ₹46,767 crore allocated (2025-26) with Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme benefiting 17.53 lakh students statewide
• Sanitation workers welfare schemes announced in August 2025 with ₹10 crore allocation including free meals, insurance, housing and education assistance
Development Projects
• Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway (18.3 km, ₹1,655 crore) - under construction
• Marakkanam-Puducherry NH-332A four-laning (₹2,100 crore) - foundation stone laid by PM Modi in March 2026
• Road relaying initiative covering ₹11,872 km statewide under TURIF, KNMT, SFC and 15th Finance Commission grants
• Metrowater piped water expansion project aimed at completing coverage in Madhavaram by end of 2026
• Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam Scheme (₹3,500 crore for 2024-25) constructing 1 lakh concrete houses in rural Tamil Nadu
• Chennai Smart City Mission projects including smart street lighting, waste management and e-governance services
• Substation upgrades by Tangedco to reduce power cuts and enhance electricity service quality
Controversies
• DMK government delayed implementation of ₹1000 monthly financial assistance scheme for women by 28 months with additional eligibility criteria imposed
• Port-Maduravoval Highway packages progressing very slowly at 1-3% completion despite ₹5,510 crore allocation, attributed to NGT orders and traffic restrictions
• Burning of garbage at Kilburn Nagar dumping yard and poor solid waste management remain unresolved issues as of 2026
• Tamil Nadu CM urged Union Government to release pending ₹3,112 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission, indicating central fund delays
Unfulfilled Promises
• Large parts of Madhavaram still lack piped drinking water as of 2026, with only localities like Devaki Nagar, Majestic Colony and Gowri Colony receiving regular supply
• Stormwater drain projects remain incomplete in several areas, increasing flood risks during monsoons
• Underground drainage projects delayed, causing parallel delays in road-laying works
• No fire station or government hospital established in Madhavaram area - residents still forced to go to Perambur for emergencies
• S. Sudharsanam (DMK) won 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election with 151,485 votes (50.04%), defeating AIADMK's V. Moorthy by 57,071 votes margin
• VinFast electric vehicle manufacturing plant inaugurated in Thoothuvalai in August 2025 with US$2 billion investment
• Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover plant became operational in Ranipet in February 2026 with US$1.1 billion investment
• Sanitation workers welfare schemes announced in August 2025 following protests against privatization of sanitation jobs
• Next Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election scheduled for April 23, 2026
