THOOTHUKUDI, Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, inaugurated and laid foundation stone of multiple development projects worth ₹17,300 crore in Tamil Nadu.
While addressing the crowd, Modi mentioned that the projects were symbolic of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
“Today, Tamil Nadu is writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi. Many projects are being inaugurated here. These projects are an important part of the road map for a developed India. One can also see the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ in these developments,” he said.
The PM laid the foundation stone of the Outer habor Container Terminal at V O Chidambaranar Port, in a step to establish a transshipment hub for the east coast of the country. The major infrastructure project aims to leverage the country’s long coastline and favourable geographic location and strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global trade arena.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated various other projects aimed at making the V O Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production and bunkering facility among others.
After the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi visited an exhibition on the country’s first Green Hydrogen Hub and flagged off India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative.
The vessel is manufactured by Cochin Shipyard and underscores a pioneering step for embracing clean energy solutions and aligning with the nation’s net-zero commitments. Prime Minister also dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across ten States/UTs during the programme.
During the event, Modi laid foundation stone for rail projects for doubling the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Nagercoil rail line including the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam – Aralvaymoli section. Developed at the cost of about ₹1,477 crore, the doubling project will help reduce travel time for the trains heading towards Chennai from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil and Tirunelveli.
Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation four road projects in Tamil Nadu, developed at a total cost of about ₹4,586 crore. These projects include the four-lane of the Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section of NH-844, two-lane with paved shoulders of the Meensurutti-Chidambaram section of NH-81, four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section of NH-83, and two-lane with paved shoulders of the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83. These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance socio-economic growth and facilitate pilgrimage visits in the region.