Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a series of transformative projects worth over Rs 17,300 crores in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi.
Among the key highlights was the foundation stone laying for the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V O Chidambaranar Port, expected to attract Rs 7,000 crores in investment and enhance the state’s maritime infrastructure. Additionally, India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel was launched under the Harit Nauka initiative, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs, promoting tourism and economic growth. The rail and road development initiatives, including electrification and doubling of rail lines, aim to improve connectivity and stimulate trade and tourism.
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Emphasising a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of synergy across roadways, highways, and waterways departments. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to serving Tamil Nadu and pledged to match the affection of its people with relentless efforts towards development.
The event symbolized a celebration of Tamil Nadu’s progress, with attendees invited to illuminate their phone lights. Distinguished guests included Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri R N Ravi, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan, underscoring collective resolve towards advancing the state’s growth trajectory.
As Tamil Nadu enters a new era of prosperity, fueled by visionary projects and inclusive development strategies, Prime Minister Modi’s visit signals the government’s commitment to realizing the aspirations of its people and building a brighter future for the state and the nation.
Details of the projects
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V O Chidambaranar Port. This Container Terminal is a step towards transforming V O Chidambaranar Port into a transhipment hub for the East coast.
The project aims to leverage India’s long coastline and favourable geographic location and strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global trade arena. The major infrastructure project will also create employment generation and economic growth in the region. The Prime Minister inaugurated various other projects aimed at making the V O Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production, bunkering facility etc.
The Prime Minister also launched India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative. The vessel is manufactured by Cochin Shipyard and underscores a pioneering step for embracing clean energy solutions and aligning with the nation’s net-zero commitments. The Prime Minister also dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs.
During the programme, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation rail projects for doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi – Nagercoil rail line including the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam – Aralvaymoli section. Developed at the cost of about Rs 1,477 crore, the doubling project will help in reducing travel time for the trains heading towards Chennai from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil & Tirunelveli.
The Prime Minister dedicated four road projects in Tamil Nadu, developed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 Crore. These projects include the four-laning of the Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section of NH-844, two-laning with paved shoulders of the Meensurutti-Chidambaram section of NH-81, four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section of NH-83, and two-laning with paved shoulders of the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83.
These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance socio-economic growth and facilitate pilgrimage visits in the region.
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