Puducherry, 01 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth ₹2,700 crore in Puducherry today, emphasizing the Union Territory's potential as a medical tourism hub while launching initiatives to bolster infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainable growth.

Delighted to address enthusiastic crowds at Lawspet Ground, he declared, Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub, highlighting its nine medical colleges and the need for accessible, affordable healthcare that draws visitors from afar.

PM Modi critiqued past Congress rule as marked by corruption, crime, and family favoritism, positioning the NDA's double-engine governance as the catalyst for Puducherry's rise in per capita income and India's highest social progress score. He reiterated his BEST Puducherry mantra—Business, Education, Spirituality, Tourism—noting its fruition in 4.5 years through collaborative Centre-UT efforts.

Infrastructure and Mobility Boost

Prioritizing urban-rural connectivity, Modi flagged off e-buses under PM e-Bus Seva for greener tourism, a ₹140 crore flyover for decongestion, rural roads under PMGSY, water distillation plants, and sewage upgrades to enhance ease of living. He stressed mobility's role in growth, with projects like the Integrated Command and Control Centre and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment unlocking more funding for roads, water, and coastal facilities.

Tourism emerges as a cornerstone, with temple developments under the PRASHAD scheme, a global spiritual mahotsav in Auroville fostering unity, and weekend influxes signaling untapped potential.

Healthcare and Education Thrust

Healthcare stands paramount, with Modi laying foundations for JIPMER's modernized Regional Cancer Centre and three Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM, ensuring no local travels afar for treatment. Youth empowerment features NIT Karaikal's Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block, Puducherry University's upgraded lecture halls and hostels, and filling thousands of government vacancies via direct recruitment after decades.

Industrial momentum builds via the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet estate with parks for pharma, textiles, IT, and R&D.

He congratulated new recruits and hailed strong youth as growth's foundation, concluding with optimism for transformed lives.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar