New Delhi, 01 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled development projects worth over ₹2,700 crore in the Union Territory of Puducherry, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for key initiatives before addressing a public rally.

Emphasizing a BEST Puducherry blueprint—standing for Business, Education, Spirituality, and Tourism—PM Modi highlighted how this vision has delivered tangible results over the past four-and-a-half years through aligned central and territorial governance. He credited the double engine government's synergy for accelerating progress and simplifying lives, contrasting it with past regimes that allegedly prioritized political gains over development.

The Prime Minister announced Puducherry's inclusion in the Centre's special capital investment assistance scheme—previously limited to states—unlocking extra funds for roads, water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and public works. This fiscal year's record ₹12 lakh crore infra budget will benefit all regions, including Puducherry, he added.

Key Projects and Future Prospects

PM Modi dedicated the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Complex, envisioning it as a hub for pharma parks, textile parks, and IT facilities to attract investments, create youth jobs, and expand R&D and healthcare. Infrastructure upgrades include rural-urban road networks, ₹1,000 crore worth of city projects like a ₹140 crore flyover, and national highway expansions to ease traffic and boost economic activity.

Healthcare gets a thrust via Ayushman Bharat for affordable care, leveraging Puducherry's nine medical colleges as medical tourism hubs. Electric buses under PM-eBus Sewa will cut pollution, while public transport, technical education at NIT Karaikal (new engineering blocks), and Pondicherry University upgrades empower youth. Empowered youth are the foundation of national progress, PM Modi affirmed .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar