Madurai, 01 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects exceeding ₹4,400 crore in Tamil Nadu's Madurai on Sunday, emphasizing that top-tier infrastructure goes beyond construction to empower people, strengthen connectivity, accelerate the economy, and unlock youth employment.
PM Modi spotlighted 12 years of heavy central investment in Tamil Nadu's national highways, with over 4,000 km built since 2014 to fuel industry and trade. Superior roads will hasten farm and marine produce transport, boosting local economies.Indian Railways saw historic shifts in the past decade: average annual outlay rose from ₹880 crore (2009-14) to ₹7,600 crore in 2026-27, adding 1,300+ km of new lines and 97% electrification.
Tamil Nadu operates 9 Vande Bharat and 9 Amrit Bharat trains, crafted at Chennai's Integral Coach Factory—advancing self-reliance and jobs.Amrit Bharat Station Scheme modernizes 77 stations (8 unveiled today), alongside dedicating the Chennai Beach–Egmore fourth line for thousands of commuters.
Telecom growth fortifies democracy, with infra funding tripling over the decade; Bengaluru–Chennai and Chennai–Hyderabad bullet train proposals herald regional revival.
PM Modi vowed global heritage status for sites like Adichanallur, plus eco-tourism at Pulicat Lake and Podhigai Hills for jobs and conservation. Earlier, he dedicated Akashvani FM transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud, and Vellore; launched Marakkanam–Puducherry (₹2,100+ crore) and Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram (₹1,800+ crore) four-lane roads, easing pilgrim access to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.
Confident of Tamil Nadu's decisive role in Viksit Bharat 2047, PM Modi reaffirmed the Centre's total commitment to the state's inclusive progress.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
