COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on workforce in general and migrant workers in particular. A large number of migrant workers returned to several states. The challenge of containing Covid-19 was compounded by the need to provide basic amenities and means of livelihood to migrants and rural workers. Government of India announced the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package to stimulate various sectors. In order to generate employment with thrust towards creating infrastructure in backward regions of the country Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan was launched on 20th June 2020.
In Uttar Pradesh, nearly 30 lakh migrant workers returned. 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh have more than 25,000 returnee migrant workers. These include 5 aspirational districts. The Government of Uttar Pradesh envisaged a unique initiative “Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan” which dovetails programs of Government of India and the State government while creating partnerships with Industry and other organizations. This Abhiyan is intensely focused towards providing employment, promote local entrepreneurship and create partnership with Industrial associations and other organizations to provide employment opportunities.
Prime Minister will launch this Abhiyan on 26 th June, 2020 at 11 am through Video-Conference in presence of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Further, Ministers of concerned Ministries of Uttar Pradesh will also participate in the virtual launch. Prime Minister will interact with villagers from six districts of Uttar Pradesh. Villages across all districts of Uttar Pradesh will join this program through the Common Service Centers and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, maintaining the norms of social distancing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India: PM Modi in Madurai
March 01, 2026
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Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people: PM
Over the past 12 years, the Central Government has invested heavily in Tamil Nadu’s highways, improving pilgrim travel and easing farm and marine produce transport: PM
Over the last decade, Indian Railways has transformed into a modern, efficient and people-centric transport system, and this transformation is visible in Tamil Nadu: PM
It is a matter of pride that our vision of ‘Make in India’ is boosting self-reliance and creating jobs for our youth: PM
The Union budget positions Tamil Nadu as part of the Rare Earth Corridors, promoting advanced manufacturing, research and technology development: PM
Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India: PM
Shri R. N. Ravi, L. Murugan, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Nainar Nagendran, E. V. Velu, and my dear brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu, Vanakkam!
I feel honoured to be in the sacred and historic city of Madurai. I bow to Meenakshi Amman and Bhagwan Sundareswarar. Today’s event marks a proud chapter in Tamil Nadu’s development journey. We have laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation, projects worth over Four Thousand Four Hundred Crore Rupees. These projects will transform connectivity, boost the economy, create jobs and transform lakhs of people’s lives. Better roads for farmers to reach markets. Easier travel for pilgrims and tourists. Faster transport for businesses. Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people.
Friends,
Over the past twelve years, the Government of India has made huge investments in Tamil Nadu’s highway network. Over Four Thousand Kilometres of highways have been built here since 2014. Today, I am happy to lay the foundation stone for two major national highway projects. First, the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section, with an investment of over Two Thousand One Hundred Crore Rupees. This will strengthen coastal tourism, trade and economy in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Second, the four-laning of the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram stretch. In this project, we are investing over One Thousand Eight Hundred Crore Rupees. It will significantly enhance access to places like Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. This ensures ease of travel for pilgrims and smoother movement of agricultural produce and marine products.
Friends,
Over the last decade, Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation. It is emerging as a modern, efficient and people-centric transport system. This transformation is particularly visible in Tamil Nadu. The railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has increased nearly nine-fold since our government came in. During 2009 to 2014, the average yearly railway allocation was Eight Hundred and Eighty Crore Rupees. In 2026–27, the allocation has increased to Seven Thousand Six Hundred Crore Rupees.
In Tamil Nadu, more than One Thousand Three Hundred Kilometres of new tracks have been laid. 97% electrification has been achieved. Hundreds of flyovers and underpasses have improved safety and efficiency. Last year, I had the privilege of inaugurating the new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu. It is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, a symbol of engineering excellence. This bridge in itself has become a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu.
Friends,
Right now, 9 Vande Bharat trains and 9 Amrit Bharat trains are benefitting the people of Tamil Nadu. The coaches of such high-speed trains are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. It is a matter of pride that our vision of ‘Make in India’ is boosting self-reliance and creating jobs for our youth. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Seventy-Seven railway stations are being modernised. These stations blend comfort, accessibility and local identity. Today, we are inaugurating Eight redeveloped stations across Tamil Nadu. The dedication of the Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line will benefit thousands of daily commuters in Chennai. I am also pleased to inaugurate Akashvani’s new FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. These radio stations will be dedicated to your service from today.
Friends,
Infrastructure funding to Tamil Nadu has now tripled, compared to the previous decade. And the Budget of 2026 continues the trend with a strong focus on Tamil Nadu. In this budget, we have proposed Bengaluru–Chennai and Chennai–Hyderabad bullet train corridors. They will revolutionise the economy of this whole region. The budget positions Tamil Nadu as part of the Rare Earth Corridors. Rare Earth Corridors will promote advanced manufacturing, research and technology development.
Friends,
Tamil Nadu has a rich history and heritage. Historic sites such as Adichanallur will be developed into global heritage destinations. Ecotourism initiatives around Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai will create new job opportunities while preserving natural ecosystems. Across the nation, around Two Hundred industrial clusters will be identified and supported, to boost manufacturing. We all know that Tamil Nadu is home to many industries and therefore, this scheme will benefit the youth here.
Friends,
Every Indian is inspired to build a developed nation by 2047. Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s destiny. Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India. The Centre remains fully committed to enabling inclusive development and the state’s progress.
