PM Modi Launches ₹2,700 Crore Projects in Puducherry

• Projects worth over ₹2,700 crore launched and inaugurated
• Push for healthcare expansion, critical care blocks under PM-ABHIM
• New engineering block at NIT Karaikal, upgrades at Pondicherry University
• Connectivity and mobility projects to ease congestion, boost tourism

GG News Bureau
Puducherry, 1st March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹2,700 crore in Puducherry, spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education and mobility.

Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said he was delighted to be among the people of Puducherry and described the day’s initiatives as a major step towards enhancing ease of living and accelerating economic growth in the Union Territory.

Reiterating his earlier vision of “BEST Puducherry” — Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism — he said the development trajectory of the last four-and-a-half years reflected good governance and rising prosperity.

Boost to Education and Youth
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities at National Institute of Technology Karaikal, saying the upgrades would strengthen technical education for students across the region. Infrastructure improvements have also been completed at Pondicherry University.

He emphasised that empowering youth remains central to India’s growth strategy and congratulated newly recruited candidates who received appointment letters.

Healthcare Expansion
Highlighting healthcare as a priority, the Prime Minister said the government believes medical services must be accessible, available and affordable to all, citing Ayushman Bharat as a key pillar supporting crores of families nationwide.

He laid the foundation stone for three Critical Care Blocks under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and announced the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). He said Puducherry, which already has nine medical colleges, holds the potential to emerge as a medical tourism hub.

An Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal is also set to strengthen traditional and holistic healthcare services.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Push
The Prime Minister underlined that connectivity remains the backbone of development, pointing to rural road construction and major urban decongestion projects, including a ₹440 crore flyover in Puducherry town. Investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore are being directed towards easing traffic congestion and strengthening urban infrastructure.

Improved road links through the East Coast and Grand Southern Trunk corridors are expected to reduce travel time to Chennai and enhance regional trade and tourism.

Electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative were also introduced to promote cleaner mobility in the tourism-driven region.

Tourism and Spiritual Heritage
Calling tourism one of Puducherry’s greatest strengths, the Prime Minister said focused investments in spiritual, eco and health tourism would elevate the sector further. Development of pilgrimage facilities under the PRASHAD scheme and events at Auroville were cited as steps to enhance global cultural engagement.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a developed Puducherry as part of the broader vision of a developed India by 2047, asserting that the “double-engine government” would continue working towards the BEST Puducherry roadmap.