PM stressed upon whole of Government approach; also highlighted importance of awareness creation along with adequate preparation in hospitals
PM briefed about forecasts for upcoming hot weather season and likelihood of above normal maximum temperatures
PM also reviewed preparedness of Health sector
Timely dissemination of essential IEC / awareness material - esp in regional languages, through all platforms - stressed
Advisories issued by Health Ministry and NDMA to be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review preparedness for the ensuing heat wave season.
Prime Minister was briefed about the temperature outlook for the period from April to June, 2024 including the forecasts for the upcoming hot weather season (April to June), the likelihood of above normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country, especially with high probability over Central India and western peninsular India.
Preparedness in the health sector was reviewed in terms of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS and drinking water.
The timely dissemination of essential IEC / awareness material especially in regional languages through all platforms such as television, radio and social media was stressed upon. Since a hotter than normal summer is expected in 2024, which coincides with the General Elections, it was felt that the Advisories issued by MoHFW and NDMA be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely.
Prime Minister stressed upon the whole of Government approach. He said that all arms of the government at Central, State and District levels and various Ministries need to work on this in synergy. Prime Minister also stressed upon awareness creation along with adequate preparation in hospitals. He also highlighted the need for quick detection and putting out forest fires.
The Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, officials from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority participated in the meeting.
Text of PM’s speech at the launch of various infrastructure works in Madurai, Tamil Nadu
March 01, 2026
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Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people: PM
Over the past twelve years, the Government of India has made huge investments in Tamil Nadu’s highway network, ensuring ease of travel for pilgrims and smoother movement of agricultural produce and marine products: PM
Over the last decade, Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation, emerging as a modern, efficient and people-centric transport system, and is particularly 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.
