PM Modi Unveils Rs 13,000-Crore Development Package for Tamil Nadu, Focus on Metro Expansion and Industrial Growth

Chennai, Oct 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a development package worth over Rs 13,000 crore for Tamil Nadu, inaugurating completed projects, dedicating infrastructure to the nation and laying foundation stones for new initiatives spanning metro rail, highways, railways, ports, petroleum and education.

The projects aim to improve urban mobility, strengthen industrial and freight connectivity, expand trade infrastructure and generate employment, with the Centre and the state government being urged to work together to accelerate Tamil Nadu's development.

Addressing a gathering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in the presence of Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Modi described the occasion as a significant milestone in the state's development journey.

"This is a historic day for Tamil Nadu. Today's programme involves projects worth Rs 13,000 crore. We are inaugurating many completed projects and laying foundations for new ones. Some will make daily travel easier. Others will strengthen industry and trade. Together, they will create jobs for young people across Tamil Nadu," he said.

Emphasising cooperative federalism, Modi said the country's progress depended on the development of its states. Recalling his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister beginning in October 2001 and his subsequent journey as Prime Minister from 2014, he said his experience in state administration had strengthened his understanding of the aspirations and challenges of state governments.

He said his commitment to Tamil Nadu's development had remained unchanged despite changes in political leadership over the years and called for coordinated efforts to achieve the vision of a developed Tamil Nadu contributing to a developed India.

The inauguration of the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II was among the key highlights of the programme. The expansion is expected to improve connectivity in western Chennai, ease traffic congestion and provide commuters with a faster and more convenient public transport option.

The corridor features a distinctive double-decker structure integrating road and metro infrastructure, along with modern signalling technology designed to support driverless train operations.

Following the inauguration, Modi and Vijay travelled by metro from Porur Bypass station to Poonamallee Bypass station. During the journey, the Prime Minister interacted with young start-up entrepreneurs and highlighted the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology in India's economic growth.

Modi said urbanisation should be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge, stressing the need for comprehensive urban infrastructure and efficient public transport systems. He said India's metro network had expanded from five cities in 2014 to 25 cities, while its total length had increased from around 250 km to more than 1,100 km.

The Chennai expansion is expected to improve access to workplaces, educational institutions and commercial centres. Its overall impact will also depend on effective integration with buses, suburban rail services and last-mile transport facilities.

Highway and railway projects constituted another major component of the package. Highway works worth approximately Rs 3,700 crore are intended to improve passenger and freight connectivity. Among the projects inaugurated was the 36-km, four-laned Vadugapatti-Therkuvenganallur section of National Highway 744.

The Prime Minister said improved roads, railways and port facilities were essential for manufacturing growth, as efficient logistics could reduce transportation costs, remove bottlenecks and improve access to domestic and international markets.

He added that infrastructure investment generated employment during construction by creating demand for engineers, technicians and skilled workers, besides supporting industries supplying cement, steel, machinery and other materials. Once operational, the projects could also help businesses expand by improving the movement of goods.

Linking the investments to the Centre's Make in India and Vocal for Local initiatives, Modi highlighted Tamil Nadu's contribution to the country's manufacturing sector.

He said India had emerged as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and claimed that electronics exports had increased 11-fold since 2014, while defence exports had risen 50-fold. Engineering exports, he added, had also reached record levels.

The Prime Minister said the expansion of domestic manufacturing had created employment opportunities across production and supply chains, acknowledging the contribution of Tamil Nadu's workforce and industrial enterprises.

As part of the industrial development initiatives, the foundation stone was laid for a new advanced lubricant base oil project. Modi said the project would generate employment and help reduce India's dependence on imports by strengthening domestic production capabilities.

Port infrastructure also featured prominently in the address, particularly the proposed expansion of V O Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi. Modi referred to the Union government's plan to invest around Rs 17,000 crore in developing the port into a world-class mega container and green energy hub.

The proposed development is intended to accommodate ultra-large container vessels and strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in international shipping, logistics and industrial trade.

Modi said improvements in port efficiency had helped reduce vessel turnaround times by about half, enabling Indian goods to reach global markets more quickly. He stressed that modern port facilities were essential to improving export competitiveness and reducing logistics costs.

The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. He said projects worth thousands of crores of rupees had been approved for Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other schemes.

These initiatives include the modernisation of fishing harbours and landing centres, improvements to cold-chain infrastructure and support for transportation facilities to maintain the freshness of fish. Modi also referred to the modernisation of Chennai Fishing Harbour and the development of a seaweed park in Tamil Nadu.

He said fishermen were being provided easier access to working capital through the Kisan Credit Card scheme. According to the Prime Minister, increased fish production and record seafood exports in the previous year had helped expand economic opportunities for fishing families and coastal communities.

During his visit to IIT Madras, Modi also toured the brain research centre and highlighted the importance of scientific research and innovation in addressing public health challenges and creating new opportunities.

The Prime Minister later attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, where he stressed the role of young people in shaping India's future.

He said the country's ambition to become developed required fresh ideas, innovative thinking and solutions that could have an impact beyond national boundaries.

"Today, India's youth want to become the strength of the vision of a developed India," Modi said, urging young people to recognise the opportunities before them.

"I want every young person to see their future on that larger canvas. Because this is your time. This is your opportunity," he added.

Modi began his address by extending Navratri greetings and referring to Tamil Nadu's cultural and spiritual traditions. He said he had received the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Jaldeekateswarar Temple before attending the programme.

He also paid tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh on their birth anniversaries, describing their lives as an inspiration for national service.

Highlighting the relationship between India's cultural heritage and its development ambitions, Modi said the country's traditions, scientific progress and modern infrastructure complemented one another.

The Chennai programme comes amid continued investment in urban transport, highways, railways, industrial facilities and port infrastructure across the country.

For Tamil Nadu, one of India's major manufacturing and export-oriented states, the effectiveness of the announced investments will depend on timely implementation, efficient operations and coordination among transport networks and government agencies.

Reiterating the Centre's commitment to the state's development, Modi called for closer cooperation between the Union and state governments to advance the vision of a developed Tamil Nadu as part of a developed India.