PM Modi Unveils ₹13,000 Crore Projects in Tamil Nadu
Chennai event highlights metro expansion, rail and road connectivity, manufacturing, port infrastructure and employment opportunities.
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 11th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated completed development projects and laid the foundation stones for new initiatives worth around ₹13,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, highlighting their potential to improve connectivity, strengthen industry and create employment opportunities.
Addressing the gathering in Chennai, Modi congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu and said the projects would make daily travel easier while supporting trade, manufacturing and economic growth across the state.
The Prime Minister said the initiatives reflected the Centre’s approach of strengthening states to build a stronger India. He also highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, recalling his experience as a chief minister before becoming Prime Minister.
Chennai Metro Expansion to Improve Connectivity
PM Modi said urban development was a major priority for Tamil Nadu and described urbanisation as an opportunity rather than a challenge. He emphasised the role of modern public transport in improving the quality of life for working families, students and senior citizens.
The Prime Minister noted that India’s metro network had expanded significantly over the past decade, growing from approximately 250 kilometres across five cities in 2014 to more than 1,100 kilometres across 25 cities. He said the latest Chennai Metro expansion would further improve urban mobility.
Earlier in the day, Modi also visited the Brain Research Centre at IIT Madras, where he highlighted the potential of research to create new opportunities in public health.
Manufacturing and Infrastructure Push
The Prime Minister underlined Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s manufacturing sector, including small industries and electronics production. He cited initiatives such as Make in India and Vocal for Local, saying efforts to strengthen the entire manufacturing chain had helped expand exports and generate employment.
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for an advanced lubricant base oil project, which he said would create jobs and help reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
He also stressed the importance of roads, railways and ports in supporting industrial growth, explaining that infrastructure projects generate employment during construction and improve connectivity for businesses once completed.
₹17,000 Crore Port Development in Thoothukudi
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s maritime potential, Modi said the Centre was developing the V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi into a world-class mega container and green energy hub through an investment of around ₹17,000 crore.
The project is intended to strengthen the port’s capacity to handle ultra-large container vessels and improve Tamil Nadu’s position in global trade and transport networks.
The Prime Minister also highlighted support for the fisheries sector through initiatives aimed at modernising fishing harbours, developing fish landing centres, strengthening cold-chain facilities and improving transport for seafood.
He cited the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and other programmes supporting fishing communities, including access to working capital through Kisan Credit Cards.
Modi concluded by reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development, saying that a developed Tamil Nadu would contribute to the goal of a developed India.
