Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,400 crore in Madurai, calling the occasion a “proud chapter” in Tamil Nadu’s growth journey.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the projects would significantly improve connectivity, accelerate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance the quality of life for millions of people across the state.
Major Boost to Road Connectivity and Highways
PM Modi said the new infrastructure projects would ensure better road access for farmers to markets, smoother travel for tourists and pilgrims, and faster transportation for businesses.
Highlighting the Centre’s investment in Tamil Nadu’s highway network, he stated that more than 4,000 km of highways have been constructed in the state since 2014. During the event, he laid the foundation stone for two key national highway projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity.
Record Railway Investment in Tamil Nadu
The Prime Minister emphasized the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade into a modern, efficient, and people-centric transport system.
He noted that the railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has increased nearly nine-fold since 2014. Between 2009 and 2014, the average annual allocation stood at ₹880 crore. For 2026–27, the allocation has risen to ₹7,600 crore.
Referring to the recently inaugurated Pamban Bridge, he said the country’s first vertical lift sea bridge has become a symbol of engineering excellence and a major tourist attraction.
Currently, nine Vande Bharat and nine Amrit Bharat trains are operational in Tamil Nadu. The coaches for these high-speed trains are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative and generating employment opportunities for youth.
Bullet Train Corridors and Rare Earth Corridor Announced
PM Modi said infrastructure allocation for Tamil Nadu has tripled compared to the previous decade. The Union Budget 2026 continues this trend, with proposals for the Bengaluru–Chennai and Chennai–Hyderabad bullet train corridors. These corridors are expected to bring transformative economic change across the region.
He also announced that Tamil Nadu has been included in the proposed Rare Earth Corridor, aimed at promoting advanced manufacturing, research, and technological innovation.
Heritage Development and Vision 2047
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage, the Prime Minister said historic sites like Adichanallur would be developed as global heritage destinations.
He reiterated the collective national goal of building a developed India by 2047, stating that Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future. “Our shared vision is a developed Tamil Nadu for a developed India,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Thirupparankundram, where he offered prayers.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth and sustained development of Tamil Nadu through strategic infrastructure investments and policy support.
