PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for ₹4,900 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Covering aviation, railways, ports, energy, and urban development, these initiatives aim to transform the region into a modern economic hub and improve connectivity across South India.
In a step to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in southern Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tuticorin. The wide-ranging initiatives span the aviation, railways, roadways, energy, and port logistics sectors, signaling a transformative leap for the region’s economic and transportation ecosystem.
At the center of the event was the inauguration of the newly developed terminal building at Tuticorin Airport. Built at a cost of ₹452 crore, the terminal features modern, energy-efficient architecture designed to handle increased passenger traffic. With its enhanced capacity and facilities, the airport is poised to bolster regional air connectivity, tourism, and business activity in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive regional development and said these projects would open up new avenues for employment, trade, and tourism. “Tuticorin has long been a gateway for commerce and culture. With these modern infrastructure upgrades, we are preparing it for a brighter and more connected future,” he said.
Focus on Urban and Coastal Development
In addition to the airport upgrade, the Prime Minister also launched several infrastructure and urban development initiatives worth ₹550 crore. These include key road enhancements, sanitation improvements, and coastal infrastructure development under the Smart City Mission. These efforts aim to further strengthen Tuticorin’s role as a leading industrial and maritime hub in South India.
At the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the third northern cargo logistics terminal was inaugurated. Built at a cost of ₹285 crore, the terminal is outfitted with state-of-the-art berths and mechanized cargo handling systems. It is expected to significantly boost cargo and container movement, improving the overall logistics efficiency of South India.
Boost to the Energy Sector
A major highlight of the day’s announcements was the emphasis on energy infrastructure, particularly in relation to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The government has initiated high-voltage power transmission projects to evacuate electricity from Kudankulam Units 3 and 4. This includes the development of transmission lines, substations, and grid integration systems.
Additionally, power distribution systems have been commissioned to ensure a steady and uninterrupted electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the southern states. These upgrades are expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the region’s growing energy demands while enhancing reliability and sustainability.
Strengthening Railway and Road Connectivity
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated railway projects valued at ₹1,030 crore. Among these, the electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line stands out, aimed at cutting down diesel usage, increasing train speeds, and promoting tourism and freight movement in the Theni district.
The doubling of key railway lines such as the Aralvaimozhi-Nagercoil section and the Nellai-Melapalayam stretch is expected to alleviate long-standing transportation bottlenecks in the Tirunelveli region. The Nellai-Melapalayam stretch alone, developed at a cost of ₹283 crore, will significantly improve suburban and local passenger movement.
Additionally, the doubling of the Nagercoil City-Junction-Kanyakumari section marks a milestone in enhancing rail access to India’s southernmost tip. This project is expected to further boost tourism, freight, and regional mobility.
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In the road sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the four-lane expansion of the Sethiyathoppu-Cholapuram section of the national highway. This strategic stretch connects central Tamil Nadu, including Chidambaram and Kumbakonam, promoting temple tourism and supporting the region’s vital agricultural trade routes.
A Unified Push for Southern Growth
Together, these projects are designed to integrate southern Tamil Nadu more effectively into the national economic and transportation grid. With improvements across ports, airports, roads, and railways, and a strengthened energy network, the region is set for a new phase of industrial growth and inclusive development.
