Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry, covering key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and mobility.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the projects would enhance ease of living and accelerate economic growth in the Union Territory. Describing Puducherry as the land of Siddhars, saints, poets and freedom fighters, he recalled the contributions of Subramania Bharati and Sri Aurobindo, as well as The Mother, in shaping India’s spiritual and nationalist thought.
Reiterating his earlier vision of “BEST Puducherry” – representing Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism – PM Modi said the past four and a half years had witnessed good governance and development in the Union Territory. He highlighted Puducherry’s rise in per capita income and its achievement of the highest Social Progress Index score in the country.
Focus on Infrastructure and Connectivity
The Prime Minister noted that a record Rs 12 lakh crore has been allocated for infrastructure development in the Union Budget. He announced that Puducherry has been included under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ scheme, ensuring greater financial support for roads, water supply, schools, hospitals and other essential projects.
Major connectivity initiatives include projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore aimed at decongesting Puducherry town, including a new flyover estimated at Rs 440 crore. Upgrades to the East Coast Road and Grand Southern Trunk Road are expected to reduce travel time between Puducherry and Chennai to under two hours. The East Coast Corridor, with investments exceeding Rs 30,000 crore up to Kanyakumari, will link Puducherry with major economic hubs such as Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore, boosting tourism and trade.
Boost to Education and Youth Empowerment
Emphasising that empowered youth form the foundation of national growth, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities at NIT Karaikal. Infrastructure upgrades have also been completed at Pondicherry University, including new lecture halls and hostels.
He noted that thousands of long-pending government vacancies in Puducherry have been filled through direct recruitment examinations, congratulating newly appointed youth for joining public service.
Healthcare and Medical Tourism
Highlighting healthcare as a top priority, PM Modi said the government’s vision is to make healthcare accessible, available and affordable for all. He pointed to the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in supporting crores of families nationwide.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Puducherry could emerge as a medical tourism hub, noting that the Union Territory already has nine medical colleges. The Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) is being modernised to expand treatment capacity.
He also laid the foundation stone for three Critical Care Blocks under the PM-ABHIM scheme in Puducherry and Karaikal to enhance emergency services. Additionally, a new Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal will strengthen Siddha and holistic healthcare services.
Clean Mobility and Urban Development
Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, electric buses were introduced to promote cleaner and greener mobility in the tourism-centric region. Several housing projects were also launched to provide stability and dignity to families.
Development works across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam include water desalination plants to ensure clean drinking water, new sewage treatment plants for improved waste management, and projects aimed at mitigating flooding and waterlogging during monsoons.
Tourism and Cultural Significance
The Prime Minister described tourism as one of Puducherry’s greatest strengths, with the region attracting thousands of visitors as a premier weekend destination. Investments are being made to promote spiritual, eco and health tourism, including the development of pilgrimage facilities under the PRASHAD scheme.
He also welcomed the commencement of a Global Spiritual Mahotsav in Auroville, envisioned by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother as a “Universal City of Consciousness.”
Concluding his address, PM Modi said the double-engine government is committed to transforming Puducherry and achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, reiterating his pledge to continue working towards “BEST Puducherry.”
