New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chennai, Tamil Nadu, today to inaugurate and dedicate a series of major development projects and lay the foundation stones for several others, with a combined investment exceeding Rs 13,000 crore. His itinerary includes a journey on the Chennai Metro, a visit to the Jalasandeswarar Temple, a tour of the brain research centre at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), and participation in the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

According to an official release, the Prime Minister will travel on the Chennai Metro at approximately 11:30 a.m., from Porur Bypass station to Poonamallee Bypass station and back. At around 12:15 p.m., he will offer prayers at the Jalasandeswarar Temple in Chennai before visiting the brain research centre at IIT Madras.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., Modi will inaugurate various development projects, lay foundation stones for new initiatives and dedicate completed projects to the nation. He will also address a public gathering. At around 3 p.m., he will attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai.

Chennai Metro Rail Expansion

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Poonamallee–Vadapalani section of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,900 crore. The corridor features a distinctive 3.7-kilometre-long double-decker structure and is equipped with advanced signalling technology to support driverless train operations.

The project is expected to reduce daily commuting times for passengers and improve connectivity between Chennai's rapidly developing western suburbs and the city centre.

Major National Highway Projects

PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for key national highway projects worth approximately Rs 3,700 crore. These initiatives are expected to strengthen road connectivity across Tamil Nadu, reduce travel times and traffic congestion, and support economic growth.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 36-kilometre-long, four-lane Vadugapatti–Therku Venganallur section of National Highway 744.

He will also inaugurate the 30-kilometre-long, four-lane Madurai Ring Road section of National Highway 744A. The project is expected to improve traffic movement around Madurai and help ease congestion within the city.

In addition, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a four-lane Thiruvarur Bypass on the Nagapattinam–Thanjavur section of National Highway 83.

Railway Infrastructure Projects

The Prime Minister will dedicate railway infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 750 crore to the nation and inaugurate several facilities aimed at improving rail connectivity and passenger convenience.

He will dedicate the Karaikal–Peralam railway line to the nation and also dedicate three railway overbridges in Coimbatore and its surrounding areas.

PM Modi will further inaugurate five Amrit Bharat stations at Palani, Vellore Cantonment, Ambasamudram, Paramakudi and Namakkal. These stations have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger amenities and modernise railway infrastructure.

Port Infrastructure and Maritime Development

The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several port-related projects aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.

At Chennai Port, he will inaugurate four infrastructure projects, comprising a paved storage yard, four export-import (EXIM) warehouses, a modernised cruise terminal and a seafarers' club.

These projects are expected to improve cargo storage and handling, expand warehousing capacity and modernise passenger facilities, enabling the port to accommodate a greater number of cruise passengers simultaneously. The seafarers' club will also provide visiting seafarers and maritime personnel with modern welfare, recreational and support facilities.

At V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for eight major development projects. These initiatives are intended to enhance cargo and container-handling capacity, develop infrastructure to promote clean maritime energy and improve cargo evacuation and logistics efficiency within the port complex.

At Kamarajar Port, Modi will inaugurate the Coal Berth-3 project and lay the foundation stone for capital dredging works associated with Stage II of Phase I of the container terminal project.

Major Refinery Project to Boost Lubricant Production

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks (LOBS) project at the existing Manali refinery of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) in Chennai.

The project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 1,620 crore, will have an annual production capacity of 270,000 metric tonnes. It aims to produce Group II and Group III lube oil base stocks, which are essential for manufacturing world-class, premium-quality lubricants in India.

The initiative is expected to strengthen domestic production capabilities and support the country's efforts to develop high-quality lubricant manufacturing infrastructure.

IIT Madras Brain Research Centre to Be Dedicated to the Nation

PM Modi will dedicate the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras to the nation and launch a unique global scientific mission undertaken by the centre.

The mission aims to create cellular-resolution, three-dimensional maps of more than 100 human brains across different stages of life, from the embryonic stage to old age. The initiative is expected to advance scientific understanding of the human brain and contribute to research into neurological development and disorders.

The Prime Minister will also release C-STRoKE, described as a first-of-its-kind human ischaemic stroke atlas. The atlas contains detailed documentation of more than 1,000 microscopic sections of stroke-affected brain tissue.

The resource is expected to assist researchers worldwide in identifying new therapeutic targets and advancing research into the treatment of ischaemic stroke.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations at Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya

The Prime Minister will conclude his scheduled engagements by attending the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai.

The milestone marks five decades of the institution's contribution to education and its role in shaping generations of students through academic excellence, discipline, cultural values and holistic learning.

Guided by its motto, “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye” — meaning “Knowledge is that which liberates” — the school seeks to nurture students who can make meaningful contributions to society.

Over the years, the institution has adapted to evolving educational requirements while continuing to emphasise character development, knowledge and responsible citizenship.

The Prime Minister's visit is expected to highlight the Centre's focus on strengthening infrastructure, expanding scientific research capabilities, modernising transport networks and supporting economic development in Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar