PM Modi Inaugurates ₹4,800 Cr Projects in Thoothukudi, Highlights India-UK FTA, Clean Energy, and Connectivity Push in Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over 4,800 crore rupees in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu last night, after returning from the Maldives. The projects will significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu. These initiatives span across key sectors, including airports, highways, ports, railways, and critical power sector advancements.
 
 
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the historic Free Trade Agreement signed between India and the United Kingdom during his overseas tour. Noting that this development symbolises the growing global trust in India and the nation’s renewed confidence, Mr Modi remarked that this confidence will drive the creation of a developed India and a developed Tamil Nadu. He stated that the FTA will strengthen India’s economy and accelerate the country’s journey toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
 
 
Mr Modi said that infrastructure and energy form the backbone of any state’s development and over the past eleven years, the sustained focus on these sectors reflects the priority accorded to Tamil Nadu’s progress. The Prime Minister remarked that the projects inaugurated will transform Thoothukudi and Tamil Nadu into hubs of enhanced connectivity, clean energy, and new opportunities.
 
 
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the rich cultural and historical legacy of Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi, acknowledging the region’s enduring contribution to building a prosperous and strong India. He honoured legendary figures like Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Alagu Muthu Kon and freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.
 
 
Recalling the birthplace of national poet Subramania Bharati near Thoothukudi, Mr Modi highlighted the deep emotional bond between Thoothukudi and his own constituency, Kashi. He emphasised that cultural initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam continue to fortify India’s shared heritage and unity.
 
Affirming the Union Government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of Tamil Nadu by modernising its infrastructure, Mr Modi stated that significant strides are being made to upgrade port facilities with advanced technologies. He said efforts are also underway to integrate airports, highways, and railways, enhancing seamless connectivity across the state.
 
The Prime Minister remarked that the inauguration of the new advanced terminal at the Thoothukudi Airport marks another major milestone in this direction. Constructed at a cost of 450 crore rupees, the terminal is now equipped to host over 20 lakh passengers annually-up from the previous capacity of just 3 lakh passengers. The Prime Minister also announced the dedication of two major road projects in Tamil Nadu to the public, developed at a cost of 2,500 crore rupees.
 
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Union Government considers the railway network as a lifeline of industrial growth and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Mr Modi stated that the newly dedicated railway projects in Tamil Nadu will benefit millions across the southern region of the state. He noted that with the electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur railway line, the path has now opened for operating advanced trains such as Vande Bharat in the region.
 
Mr Modi also laid the foundation for a key transmission project linked to the 2,000 MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in the state. Built at an estimated cost of 550 crore rupees, the system is expected to play a pivotal role in supplying clean energy in the years ahead.
 
The Prime Minister highlighted that over the past decade, the Union Government has transferred 3 lakh crore rupees to Tamil Nadu through devolution. He said that this is more than three times the amount disbursed by the previous dispensation. Mr Modi further stated that in these eleven years, Tamil Nadu has received eleven new medical colleges.
 
Expressing satisfaction over the rapid progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Tamil Nadu, Mr Modi stated that the Government has already received approximately one lakh applications under the scheme. He highlighted that over forty thousand solar rooftop installations have been completed so far. The Prime Minister remarked that the scheme not only provides free and clean electricity but also generates thousands of green jobs.
 
Highlighting that the Government is placing strong emphasis on Make in India and Mission Manufacturing, the Prime Minister stressed that during Operation Sindoor, the strength of Make in India was clearly demonstrated. He remarked that domestically manufactured weapons played a significant role in neutralising terrorist strongholds. Mr Modi emphasised that weapons made in India continue to unsettle the masterminds of terrorism.