CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt announced a series of policing and public safety initiatives in the 2026-27 revised budget estimates, including expansion of anti-drug enforcement units across the state and increased allocations for road safety and police welfare. The govt allocated ₹17,290 crore to the home, prohibition and excise department.The govt announced allocated ₹354 crore for the Singapenn Special Task Force. The government said the launch of the Singapenn Special Task Force was part of its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and children and would focus on women-centric policing, emergency response and crime prevention.The Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), which previously functioned within the Greater Chennai Police, has been expanded across the state and renamed the Special Task Force for Interdiction of Narcotics and Gangs (STING). A total of 65 STING units will be established, with one unit in each of the 37 districts and 28 units in urban areas. The units will investigate drug trafficking, conduct financial investigations and initiate legal action, including freezing assets linked to narcotics offences.The govt announced a ₹70crore rehabilitation fund to support deaddiction and rehabilitation programmes for people affected by substance abuse.A new Road Safety Policy will be introduced with emphasis on road engineering, traffic law enforcement, emergency trauma care and public awareness. The govt allocated Rs 200 crore under the Chief Minister’s Accident Relief Fund Scheme and Rs 130 crore under the Road Safety Fund for 2026-27.For police welfare, Rs 431 crore was earmarked for constructing residential quarters for 5,000 police families across the state.
