The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs. 4,400 crore in Madurai, Tamil Nadu today. Addressing the gathering in the sacred city of Madurai, the Prime Minister stated that today marks a proud chapter in Tamil Nadu's development journey. These projects are aimed at transforming connectivity, boosting the economy, and creating significant job opportunities for the youth and transforming lakhs of people’s lives. of the state. The Prime Minister emphasized that building high-quality infrastructure is fundamentally about empowering people. “These developments mean better roads for farmers to reach markets, easier travel for pilgrims and tourists, and faster transport for businesses”, highlighted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister said, “over the past twelve years, the Government of India has made significant investments in Tamil Nadu’s highway network, with more than four thousand kilometres of highways constructed since 2014.” He noted the foundation stone laying for two major national highway projects, the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section, involving an investment of over Rs. 2,100 crore to strengthen coastal tourism and trade, and the four-laning of the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram stretch. With an investment of over Rs. 1,800 crore, the latter project will significantly enhance access to sites like Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, ensuring ease of travel for pilgrims and smoother movement for agricultural and marine products.
The Prime Minister underscored that over the last decade, Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation, emerging as a modern, efficient, and people-centric transport system. “This transformation is particularly visible in Tamil Nadu, where the railway budget allocation has increased nearly nine-fold since the current government took office,” Shri Modi stated. The Prime Minister pointed out that while the average yearly allocation was Rs. 880 crore between 2009 and 2014, it has risen to Rs. 7,600 crore for the year 2026–27. He further detailed that more than 1,300 kilometres of new tracks have been laid in the state, 97% electrification has been achieved, and hundreds of flyovers and underpasses have improved safety and efficiency. Recalling a major milestone, The Prime Minister mentioned his privilege in inaugurating the new Pamban Bridge last year, describing India’s first vertical
The Prime Minister highlighted that currently, 9 Vande Bharat trains and 9 Amrit Bharat trains are serving the people of Tamil Nadu, with their coaches being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. He expressed pride in the 'Make in India' vision, noting , “ It is boosting self-reliance and creating jobs for the youth.” Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, seventy-seven railway stations in the state are being modernized to blend comfort, accessibility, and local identity, with eight redeveloped stations being inaugurated today, Shri Modi stated . He further added that,the dedication of the Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line will benefit thousands of daily commuters. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Akashvani’s new FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud, and Vellore, dedicating these radio stations to the service of the people.
The Prime Minister highlighted that infrastructure funding for Tamil Nadu has tripled compared to the previous decade, noting that the 2026 Union Budget maintains this strong focus on the state. He detailed proposals for the Bengaluru-Chennai and Chennai-Hyderabad bullet train corridors, which are set to revolutionize the regional economy. Additionally, the Prime Minister pointed out, “The budget positions Tamil Nadu within the Rare Earth Corridors, aimed at promoting advanced manufacturing, research, and technology development.”
The Prime Minister remarked that Tamil Nadu possesses a rich history and heritage, announcing that historic sites such as Adichanallur will be developed into global heritage destinations. Shri Modi noted that ecotourism initiatives around Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai will create new job opportunities while simultaneously preserving natural ecosystems. Furthermore, he mentioned that approximately two hundred industrial clusters will be identified and supported nationwide to boost manufacturing. Emphasizing that Tamil Nadu is home to many industries, the Prime Minister stated that this scheme will significantly benefit the local youth.
The Prime Minister emphasized that every Indian is inspired to build a developed nation by 2047, noting that Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s destiny. Reaffirming the Centre's full commitment to enabling inclusive development and the state’s progress, he concluded with the assertion, "Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India."
