Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu on Saturday to inaugurate, lay foundation stones, and dedicate several development projects collectively valued at over Rs 4,800 crore.
The visit follows his recent official trips to the United Kingdom and the Maldives.
PM Modi will commence his visit in Tuticorin, unveiling a range of infrastructure and connectivity projects aimed at accelerating economic and industrial growth in Tamil Nadu.
One of the highlights is the inauguration of the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport.
Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore, the terminal covers 17,340 square metres and can accommodate 1,350 passengers during peak hours, with an annual capacity of up to 20 lakh passengers.
Plans are already in place to expand this to handle 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 25 lakh annually.
The terminal features sustainable elements, including 100 per cent LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and water recycling through an on-site sewage treatment plant.
It has earned the GRIHA-4 sustainability rating, underscoring the government’s commitment to eco-friendly development.
Highways to Enhance Connectivity
The Prime Minister will dedicate two significant national highway projects to the nation during the visit.
The first involves the four-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope–Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, part of the Vikravandi–Thanjavur corridor, built at a cost exceeding Rs 2,350 crore.
This project includes bypasses, a 1-km bridge over the Kollidam River, flyovers, and underpasses, reducing travel time by approximately 45 minutes.
The second project focuses on the six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, costing Rs 200 crore.
Featuring multiple bridges and underpasses, this route will facilitate smoother cargo movement, lower logistics costs, and promote port-led industrial growth near the VO Chidambaranar Port.
Port and Rail Infrastructure
PM Modi will inaugurate the North Cargo Berth–III at VO Chidambaranar Port, developed at a cost of around Rs 285 crore. The berth has a handling capacity of 6.96 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), enhancing dry bulk cargo operations in southern Tamil Nadu.
Railway projects worth over Rs 650 crore will also be dedicated to the nation.
These include the electrification of the 90 km Madurai–Bodinayakkanur line and the doubling of several sections: 21 km Nagercoil Town–Kanniyakumari, 12.87 km Aralvaymozhi–Nagercoil Junction, and 3.6 km Tirunelveli–Melappalayam.
Moreover, these upgrades will improve connectivity, foster eco-friendly travel, and support regional economic development.
Further strengthening the state’s power infrastructure, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project.
This facility will facilitate the evacuation of electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4, with a combined capacity of 2,000 MW.
Concluding his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, celebrating the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu visit underscores the government’s dedication to infrastructural excellence, sustainable development, and cultural heritage.
Also Read: Amarnath Yatra 2025 Proceeds Peacefully With Over 3.6 Lakh Devotees Having Darshan In 22 Days
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
