PM unveils Rs 4,800-crore projects in Tamil Nadu, says step towards developed state
The PM arrived in Tamil Nadu directly after concluding his visit to the Maldives and highlighted the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom as a "historic" development.He said the agreement was a symbol of growing global trust in India and would help create a developed Bharat and a developed Tamil Nadu.PM Modi recalled that in February 2024, he had laid the foundation stone for the Outer Harbour Container Terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port and inaugurated several projects during that visit.In September 2024, the new Thoothukudi International Container Terminal was inaugurated. On Saturday, projects worth another Rs 4,800 crore were launched and inaugurated, including developments in the power sector and new infrastructure in airports and railways.The PM emphasised that infrastructure and energy form the backbone of a state's development and said the newly inaugurated projects will transform Thoothukudi and Tamil Nadu into hubs of enhanced connectivity and opportunity.Paying tribute to Tamil Nadu's cultural and historical legacy, PM Modi acknowledged the contributions of freedom fighters from the region, including VO Chidambaram Pillai, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Alagu Muthu Kon.He also noted the emotional link between Thoothukudi and his own constituency, Kashi, and highlighted initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam that aim to strengthen shared cultural bonds.PM Modi recalled gifting pearls from Thoothukudi to Bill Gates, which the philanthropist appreciated, and said the region's famous Pandya Pearls were once seen as symbols of India's economic strength.He reiterated that the India-UK FTA will allow 99 percent of Indian goods to be sold in the UK tax-free, which would increase demand and spur production. He said this would benefit Tamil Nadu's youth, MSMEs, startups, and local industries, especially the fishing community and innovation sectors.Underlining the importance of Make in India and Mission Manufacturing, PM Modi cited the role of domestically produced weapons during Operation Sindoor in neutralising enemy targets.He added that the government's focus on modernising infrastructure will help unlock Tamil Nadu's full potential, including upgrading ports with new technology and integrating them with airports, highways, and railways for seamless connectivity.advertisementAmong the key developments, the PM inaugurated the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, built at a cost of Rs 450 crore. The new facility will increase passenger handling capacity from 3 lakh to over 20 lakh annually.The terminal, spread across 17,340 square meters, uses 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and an on-site sewage treatment plant to meet GRIHA-4 sustainability standards. PM Modi said the enhanced air connectivity will benefit corporate travel, education, healthcare, and tourism in the region.Two major road projects were also dedicated to the nation. These include the Rs 2,350 crore four-laning of the 50-km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, which includes bypasses, bridges, flyovers, and underpasses to reduce travel time by 45 minutes.The second is the Rs 200 crore six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Thoothukudi Port Road, expected to improve cargo flow and support port-led industrial growth. The PM said these roads will improve access to Chennai and ease movement between Delta districts and the state capital.In the port sector, PM Modi inaugurated the North Cargo Berth-III at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at Rs 285 crore with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA.advertisementHe also dedicated three key railway projects aimed at improving connectivity across southern Tamil Nadu, including the electrification of the 90-km Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line.The Rs 650 crore doubling of the Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, along with the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam sections, will reduce travel time and improve freight capacity.The PM laid the foundation stone for a Rs 550 crore power transmission project linked to Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW) of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.The Inter-State Transmission System includes a 400 kV double-circuit line from Kudankulam to Thoothukudi-II GIS substation and is expected to strengthen the national grid and clean energy distribution.PM Modi also mentioned that Tamil Nadu has received around one lakh applications under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and over 40,000 solar rooftop installations have been completed. He said the scheme provides free electricity and creating green jobs.The PM said Tamil Nadu remains a key focus of the Union Government, which has devolved over Rs 3 lakh crore to the state in the last decade-three times more than the previous government.Tamil Nadu has also received eleven new medical colleges over the past eleven years. PM Modi noted that for the first time, a government has shown dedicated concern for fishing communities along the coast and that the Blue Revolution is boosting the coastal economy.advertisementPaying tribute on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi honoured the brave soldiers and martyrs of the Kargil War. He concluded his address by stating that Thoothukudi is witnessing the dawn of a new chapter in development and congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu for the transformative projects.Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu and L Murugan, State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, and other dignitaries were present at the event.- Ends
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