Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The projects encompass urban infrastructure, maritime development, and industrial growth initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, boosting trade, and generating employment opportunities across the state.
The urban infrastructure focus includes the dedication of a new stretch of Chennai Metro, part of a nationwide expansion that has grown from 250 kilometers in 2014 to over 1,100 kilometers today, now serving 25 cities compared to just five cities previously. The Prime Minister emphasized that holistic urban infrastructure, including robust public transport, is essential for modern cities and improves ease of living for citizens.
Industrial development initiatives include the foundation laying for an advanced lubricant base oil project that will create new employment and help reduce the country's import dependency. The Prime Minister highlighted Tamil Nadu's significant contribution to India's manufacturing growth, noting that electronics exports have grown eleven-fold since 2014, defense exports have increased fifty times, and engineering exports have reached record levels.
Maritime infrastructure received substantial attention with the announcement of approximately ₹17,000 crore investment to transform Thoothukudi's VOC Port into a World-Class Mega Container and Green Energy Hub capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels. This development aims to position Tamil Nadu as a global hub for industry and transport. The Prime Minister noted that port efficiency has dramatically improved, with ship turnaround times reduced by half, enabling faster access to global markets for Indian products.
Fisheries and blue economy development includes thousands of crores approved for Tamil Nadu through the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana for upgrading fishing harbors, developing landing centers, improving cold chain facilities, and providing transport vehicles to maintain fish freshness. Specific initiatives include modernization of Chennai Fishing Harbour and development of a 'Sea-weed Park' in the state. The Prime Minister noted that working capital is now easily available to fishermen through the Kisan Credit Card scheme, contributing to increased fish production and record seafood exports in both quantity and value.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these infrastructure projects will create employment at multiple levels—during construction phase for engineers, technicians, and workers, and through boosted demand for materials from small companies producing cement, steel, and equipment. Once operational, the enhanced connectivity from rail and road projects will drive forward Tamil Nadu's industrial and service sectors.