PM Modi: Before 2014, TN Was Starved Of Funds By INDI Alliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram and launched development projects worth over ₹8,300 crore.

Speaking at a large public gathering, he reaffirmed the Centre’s strong commitment to modernizing infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, stating that the state is a top priority for his government.

Rail & Road Infrastructure

Highlighting the growth in Tamil Nadu’s rail budget, PM Modi said the allocation had increased more than sevenfold over the past decade, from ₹900 crore annually before 2014 to over ₹6,000 crore in 2024.

He noted that 77 railway stations, including Rameswaram, are being modernized. He also mentioned the construction of nearly 4,000 km of village roads and highways under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana post-2014.

PM Modi praised the expansion of the Chennai Metro, which has enhanced public transport across the city. Under PM Awas Yojana, he added, over 12 lakh pucca houses have been provided to the state’s poor. Nationwide, over 4 crore such houses have been constructed.

New Pamban Bridge: A Connectivity Milestone

PM Modi called the new vertical-lift sea bridge a landmark achievement for South India, stating that it would significantly improve connectivity from Rameswaram to Chennai and beyond.

“This will boost trade, tourism, and job creation for the youth,” he said. The bridge, the first of its kind in India, symbolizes India’s growing engineering capabilities.

He also cited major infrastructure milestones across the country—from the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir to the Atal Setu in Mumbai and the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam.

The Centre has increased the infrastructure budget nearly sixfold since 2014, he said, supporting projects like the bullet train and modern trains such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat.

Support For Farmers & Fisherfolk

PM Modi highlighted that small farmers in Tamil Nadu have received ₹12,000 crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and ₹14,800 crore under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

Under the PM Matsya Sampada Scheme, Tamil Nadu’s fisheries sector has also seen substantial investment.

Concluding his address, PM Modi emphasized Tamil Nadu’s crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

“As Tamil Nadu progresses, India progresses,” he said, calling the state’s people partners in building a stronger, more prosperous future.

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