“Developed Tamil Nadu Key to Developed India”: PM Modi
The Prime Minister Launches ₹4,400 Crore Infrastructure Push in Madurai
- Projects worth over ₹4,400 crore inaugurated and launched
- Major highway, railway and broadcast infrastructure boost
- Rare Earth Corridor to strengthen advanced manufacturing
- ‘Make in India’ driving jobs and self-reliance in Tamil Nadu
GG News Bureau
Madurai, 1st March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,400 crore in Madurai, marking a major push to connectivity and economic growth in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a public gathering in the temple city, the Prime Minister said the projects will transform connectivity, generate employment and improve ease of living for lakhs of people across the state. “Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people,” he said, adding that better roads, railways and communication networks directly benefit farmers, pilgrims, traders and youth.
Highway Expansion and Coastal Connectivity
The Prime Minister highlighted that over 4,000 kilometres of highways have been constructed in Tamil Nadu since 2014. He laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section and the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram stretch, projects aimed at strengthening coastal tourism, trade and access to pilgrimage centres such as Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.
He said investments in the highway network have ensured smoother transport of agricultural produce and marine products, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities.
Railways Transformation Visible in Tamil Nadu
Referring to reforms in the rail sector, the Prime Minister said Indian Railways has emerged as a modern and people-centric transport system over the last decade. He noted that railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has risen nearly nine-fold, from ₹880 crore annually between 2009–14 to ₹7,600 crore in 2026–27.
More than 1,300 kilometres of new railway lines have been laid and electrification has reached 97 per cent in the state. He recalled inaugurating the new Pamban Bridge last year, describing it as India’s first vertical lift sea bridge.
Nine Vande Bharat and nine Amrit Bharat trains are currently serving Tamil Nadu, with coaches manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 77 railway stations in the state are being modernised, with eight redeveloped stations inaugurated during the event. The Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth railway line was also dedicated to the nation.
Rare Earth Corridor and Industrial Growth
The Prime Minister said the Union Budget has positioned Tamil Nadu as part of the Rare Earth Corridors, aimed at promoting advanced manufacturing, research and technology development. He added that infrastructure funding for the state has tripled compared to the previous decade.
He also spoke about plans to develop historic sites such as Adichanallur as global heritage destinations and promote ecotourism in regions like Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s growth, the Prime Minister said, “Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India,” adding that the state will play a decisive role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
