Tamil Nadu to underground cables in Chidambaram temple town

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled plans to modernise Chidambaram's infrastructure through an ambitious underground cabling project, addressing long-standing concerns about overhead wires disrupting religious ceremonies at the historic Nataraja Temple.

The initiative will involve laying electrical and telephone cables underground across the town at a total outlay of ₹36 crore. Officials indicated that the project represents a significant investment in improving both the aesthetic appearance of the town and the practical functionality of essential services.

The move holds particular significance for the Nataraja Temple, which hosts the renowned car festival, an annual event drawing devotees from across South India. The underground cabling is expected to eliminate disruptions caused by overhead cables during the chariot procession, ensuring the festival proceeds without logistical hindrances.

The project aligns with broader efforts by the state government to enhance civic infrastructure in towns of religious and cultural importance. Chidambaram, home to one of Hinduism's most significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, has long sought to balance modernisation with the preservation of traditional ceremonies.