PM Modi announces over Rs 1.3 lakh crore development package for Tamil Nadu, emphasizing metro expansion and industrial growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a development package worth over 13 lakh crore rupees in Chennai on Sunday. On the occasion, he inaugurated completed projects, dedicated infrastructure facilities to the nation, and laid the foundation stones for new projects across various sectors, including metro rail, highways, railways, ports, petroleum, and education. He emphasized the importance of industrial growth, job creation, and cooperation between the central government and Tamil Nadu. Addressing a ceremony held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, attended by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s predecessor, Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay, Modi described these projects as a significant milestone in the state’s development. He stated that they would improve urban mobility, strengthen connectivity for industries and freight, expand commercial infrastructure, and create new opportunities for the youth. The Prime Minister said, "Today is a historic day for Tamil Nadu. The program includes projects worth 13 lakh crore rupees. We are inaugurating several completed projects and laying the foundation for new ones. Some will make daily travel easier, while others will boost industry and trade. Collectively, all these projects will generate employment opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu."

Highlighting political and administrative continuity in his development agenda, Modi stated that his approach has always been based on the principles of federalism, democracy, public participation, and mutual cooperation. He recalled taking oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001 and subsequently becoming Prime Minister in 2014. He said that completing 25 years of leadership in the government earlier this month strengthened his conviction that the nation’s progress is linked to the progress of its states. He stated, "I have always followed the principle that the nation’s development must begin with the development of its states." Modi added that his experience working as a Chief Minister helped him understand the aspirations and challenges of state governments. Based on this experience, the central government has sought to assist states in achieving their own developmental priorities. Referring to his meetings with former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi Palaniswami, and former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Modi said that while political governments have changed over the years, his commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu and the welfare of its people has never wavered. He stated, "Even today, with the same resolve, we are advancing the journey of Tamil Nadu’s development together with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay." Emphasizing cooperation, Modi characterized these investments as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s industrial base, modernize its transport system, and enhance the state’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets. He appealed to central and state governments to work together to build a developed Tamil Nadu that plays its role in the goal of a developed India.

The inauguration of the Chennai Metro Rail’s second phase section from Poonamallee to Vadapalani was a key feature of the program. The expansion aims to improve connectivity in western Chennai, reduce daily travel pressure, and provide citizens with a more convenient alternative to road travel. The corridor features a unique double-deck structure that integrates road and metro infrastructure. Additionally, a modern signaling system has been installed to facilitate driverless train operations. After the inauguration, Modi and Vijay traveled by metro from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station. During the ride, the Prime Minister interacted with young startup entrepreneurs and highlighted the importance of innovation, business, and technological advancement in India’s economic future. Modi stated that the growing urban population should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a problem. According to him, it is essential to provide comprehensive infrastructure and efficient public transport facilities in cities, rather than merely widening roads. He said that modern public transport systems are indispensable for improving the quality of life and easing mobility in rapidly growing cities. Referring to the expansion of the metro network in India, the Prime Minister noted that in 2014, metro services were available in only five cities in the country, whereas the number has now increased to 25. Similarly, the total length of the metro network has grown from approximately 250 kilometers to over 1,100 kilometers. He stated that the expansion of the Chennai Metro will further strengthen the country’s urban transport infrastructure. The benefits of the metro expansion in Chennai are not limited to the commencement of services on a single corridor.

The expanding residential areas and employment hubs in the city require reliable links that reduce dependence on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and improve access to offices, schools, and commercial centers. In this regard, effective connectivity with buses, suburban railways, last‑mile transport, and pedestrian facilities will also be crucial to fully benefit from new infrastructure. The development package prominently includes highway and railway projects. Approximately 3,700 crore rupees worth of highway projects aim to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of passengers and freight. These projects included the opening of a 36‑kilometre, four‑lane road from Wadogapti to Tharcooinganur under National Highway 744. Modi said that roads, railways, and ports are essential for industrial development because the competitiveness of industries depends on reliable and timely transport of raw materials, components, and finished goods. According to him, better connectivity will reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain, ease market access, and help businesses expand. He also highlighted job creation through infrastructure investment. Modi said that construction activities generate demand for engineers, technicians, skilled workers, and laborers, while industries supplying cement, steel, machinery, and other construction materials also benefit. Once these projects become operational, reduced transportation costs and improved delivery of goods can help expand industrial and service sector businesses. The prime minister linked these investments to the central government’s “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” campaigns, praising Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s industrial growth. He said the goal is not to focus on a single stage of production but to strengthen the entire industrial chain from components and technology to finished products. Speaking of the growth of India’s electronics and engineering sectors, Modi noted that India has become the world’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer. He said electronics exports have increased 11‑fold since 2014, defense exports have grown 50‑fold, and engineering product exports have reached record levels. He credited the expansion of the manufacturing sector with creating millions of direct and indirect jobs and acknowledged the contributions of Tamil Nadu’s workers and industrial firms. Under industrial development initiatives, a new project to produce modern lubricants was also inaugurated. Modi said this project will create jobs and help reduce India’s dependence on imports. It is part of a broader effort to increase local production of industrial raw materials and strengthen the country’s manufacturing capacity. The prime minister’s speech also highlighted the importance of port infrastructure, especially the V.O. Chidambernar port in Tuticorin. Modi said the central government plans to invest about 17,000 crore rupees to transform this port into a world‑class container and green energy hub. The proposed expansion aims to enable the docking of ultra‑large container vessels and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position in international maritime trade, supply chains, and industrial business. Modi said that improving the speed and efficiency of Indian ports has roughly halved the time ships spend at berth, helping Indian goods reach global markets faster. He said modernizing ports is essential for building a competitive industrial economy because delays in maritime transport and freight can increase business costs and hurt the competitiveness of exports. The prime minister also stressed the potential of the maritime economy and the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities along Tamil Nadu’s long coastline. He said the central government has approved thousands of crore rupees worth of projects for the state under the Chief Minister’s Muthiah Sampada Yojana and other schemes. These measures include modernizing fishing ports and fish landing centers, improving cold storage and distribution systems, and providing support for vehicles that keep fish fresh. Modi also mentioned plans to modernize the Chennai Fishing Harbour and establish a seaweed (CVA) park in Tamil Nadu. He said the aim of these initiatives is to expand economic opportunities in the fishing sector. According to him, fishers are also being facilitated to obtain the necessary capital for their businesses through the Farmer Credit Card Scheme.

Prime Minister stated that fish production in India has increased and that last year maritime food product exports reached their highest levels in terms of both volume and value. He said these developments are helping improve the income and employment of fishing‑related families and coastal communities. Scientific research and innovation were also a key aspect of the Prime Minister’s visit. Modi visited the IIT Madras Centre for Brain Research, where he highlighted the potential of modern research to create new opportunities in public health and to address social issues. The visit underscored the link between scientific progress, technological innovation and economic development. Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of J. Gopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of youth in shaping India’s future. He said that new ideas, innovative thinking and solutions are essential to fulfill the country’s aspirations, solutions that can not only advance India but also impact the entire world. Modi said, “Today, Indian youth want to become the power behind the vision of a developed India.” Urging young people to recognize the opportunities before them, he added, “I want every youth to see their future in this broader context, because this is your time and this is your opportunity.”
At the beginning of his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of the country on the occasion of Nooratrī. While mentioning the spiritual and cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu, he said that before participating in the program he had the opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Jaldikathirur Temple. He paid tribute to J. P. Narain and N. D. Mukh on their birthdays, stating that their lives continue to inspire national service today. By integrating themes of cultural heritage, scientific progress and modern infrastructure, Modi said that India’s traditions and future aspirations complement each other. He added that India draws inspiration from its cultural strength, advances through scientific progress, and creates new opportunities with modern infrastructure. “Our heritage and aspirations for the future are moving forward together.” The program held in Chennai is significant against the backdrop of continuous investment in urban transport, highways, railways, industrial facilities and ports across the country. For Tamil Nadu, one of India’s major industrial and export states, the success of these investments will depend not only on the announced expenditure but also on timely project completion, effective operation and better coordination among various modes of transport. Modi reiterated the central government’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development, urging state and central governments to enhance mutual cooperation under the vision of a developed India to build a developed Tamil Nadu.