PM Modi launches ₹5,650 crore projects in Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth about ₹5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity and energy access in the state.

Addressing a gathering during his visit to the historic city, the Prime Minister said the projects spanning clean energy, petroleum-related manufacturing, highways, railways and rural roads will create thousands of employment opportunities for the youth and strengthen economic growth in the region.

A key highlight of the visit was the dedication of Indian Oil Corporation’s Lube Blending Plant in Chennai to the nation. Modi said the facility is among the largest of its kind in the world and will support domestic industries while reducing lubricant imports under the Make in India initiative.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ₹3,700 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) network project by Bharat Petroleum that will supply piped natural gas to nearly nine lakh households in the Nilgiris and Erode districts. According to him, the environmental benefits of the project over eight years would be equivalent to planting about four crore trees.

Highlighting rural connectivity, Modi inaugurated 370 kilometres of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He said improved road connectivity would help strengthen rural economies and improve access to healthcare, education and markets.

The Prime Minister also announced a new highway bypass project at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site built by Emperor Rajendra Chola, to divert heavy traffic and protect the monument.

Additionally, several new train services were flagged off linking cities such as Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikkudi, aimed at boosting tourism and local trade.

Modi said the government is committed to creating a developed Tamil Nadu as part of the vision of a developed India, adding that infrastructure and connectivity projects will continue to play a key role in the state’s progress.