Modi Unveils Infrastructure Push in Tamil Nadu, Says Thoothukudi Heralds New Chapter in India’s Growth Story
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sweeping ₹4,800 crore development package in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district on Saturday, spanning ports, highways, airports, railways, and energy infrastructure.
Describing infrastructure and energy as the backbone of progress, Modi said these investments mark a transformative leap for Tamil Nadu’s connectivity, logistics, clean energy and economic potential.
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| Image Source: PM NaMo |
The visit comes days after the Prime Minister returned from high-level engagements in the UK and Maldives. Addressing a packed public gathering, Modi paid tribute to the martyrs of Kargil on Vijay Diwas and declared that Tamil Nadu’s growth remains a top national priority.
“Thoothukudi continues to witness the mission that began in 2014—to make Tamil Nadu a leader in development,” he said.
Among the key unveilings was a state-of-the-art terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, built at ₹450 crore. The terminal, with peak-hour capacity for 1,350 passengers and an annual capacity of 20 lakh, features energy-efficient infrastructure and sustainable systems aimed at a GRIHA-4 rating.
Modi said the upgraded air connectivity will support tourism, trade, and healthcare access in southern Tamil Nadu.
The NDA government at the Centre is committed to working round the clock for Tamil Nadu’s growth. Our track record speaks for itself. pic.twitter.com/r0xeoU6vWZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025
Two major highway projects were dedicated to the nation—four-laning of the Sethiyathope–Cholapuram stretch of NH-36 (₹2,350 crore), and six-laning of the Thoothukudi Port Road (₹200 crore).
These roads are expected to slash travel times, cut freight costs, and improve links between the delta region and Chennai. Modi emphasized the importance of integrating roads, railways, ports, and airports into a seamless logistics grid.
At V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the PM inaugurated North Cargo Berth–III, which adds nearly 7 million metric tonnes of dry cargo handling capacity annually.
This ₹285 crore investment is expected to make Thoothukudi a more competitive trade gateway.
In the rail sector, Modi inaugurated multiple upgrades including electrification of the 90 km Madurai–Bodinayakkanur route and doubling of key sections between Nagercoil and Kanniyakumari, and Tirunelveli and Melappalayam.
The projects, valued over ₹1,000 crore, aim to enhance freight and passenger movement between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The recently signed trade agreement with UK will boost economic growth.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025
In the context of Tamil Nadu, the youngsters, MSMEs, StartUps and several other sectors will benefit. pic.twitter.com/GrPl3vqeTG
He also laid the foundation stone for a ₹550 crore power transmission system tied to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The project will transmit 2,000 MW of clean energy across the southern grid and strengthen national-level power distribution.
Referencing his recent India–UK Free Trade Agreement, Modi said the deal will make 99% of Indian goods entering the UK duty-free, directly boosting manufacturing, exports, and MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.
He noted that the region’s pearls, once prized across global markets, are symbolic of India’s potential to reclaim its maritime economic stature.
It’s a delight to be among the great people of Tamil Nadu, and that too in Thoothukudi, which has nurtured very inspiring personalities and also has a vibrant culture. pic.twitter.com/H1W0dxV2T8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025
Modi drew attention to Tamil Nadu’s cultural richness, honouring figures like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Bharati, and Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
He underlined the emotional link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth through programs like the Blue Revolution for coastal communities.
The PM highlighted the creation of 11 new medical colleges, rollout of green energy schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and massive fiscal transfers—₹3 lakh crore over 11 years—as proof of Tamil Nadu’s central role in India’s development blueprint.
The NDA government at the Centre is committed to working round the clock for Tamil Nadu’s growth. Our track record speaks for itself. pic.twitter.com/r0xeoU6vWZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025
“Thoothukudi is witnessing the dawn of a new chapter,” he concluded, calling on citizens to take pride in the infrastructure that will define a developed Tamil Nadu and a developed India.