Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore in Madurai, describing the initiatives as a “proud chapter in Tamil Nadu’s development journey” and reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the state’s inclusive growth.
Addressing a public gathering in the temple city, the Prime Minister said the projects would enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, generate employment and improve the lives of lakhs of people across the region.
“Better roads for farmers to reach markets, easier travel for pilgrims and tourists, and faster transport for businesses – building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people,” he said.
Major Highway Projects Launched
Among the key projects, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram section of NH-87.
The Marakkanam-Puducherry project, with an investment of over Rs 2,100 crore, is expected to reduce congestion in urban areas of Puducherry and cut travel time by nearly 50 per cent – from about one hour to 30 minutes. The corridor will improve connectivity to major destinations such as Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station and Auroville, while strengthening links between coastal villages and the Viluppuram district headquarters.
The Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram four-laning project, involving an investment of over Rs 1,800 crore, will enhance access to key pilgrimage centres such as Madurai, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. Travel time on the stretch is expected to reduce by around 40 per cent, from about one hour to 35 minutes. The project will also strengthen multi-modal connectivity by linking major railway stations, airports including INS Parundu, and non-major ports at Pamban and Rameswaram.
Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti framework, the corridors will integrate fishing clusters, a Special Economic Zone, a Mega Food Park and a textile cluster to promote trade and socio-economic development.
Boost to Rail Infrastructure
The Prime Minister also inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme – Morappur, Bommidi, Srivilliputtur, Sholavandan, Manaparai, Pollachi Junction, Karaikkudi Junction and Thiruvarur Junction. The upgraded stations feature modern passenger amenities, improved accessibility, lifts and escalators, upgraded platforms and Divyangjan-friendly facilities, while incorporating local architectural elements.
He dedicated to the nation the Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth railway line, aimed at improving operational efficiency in the Chennai suburban rail network and benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
Highlighting the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade, the Prime Minister said the railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has increased nearly nine-fold since 2014. More than 1,300 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid in the state, and 97 per cent electrification has been achieved, he added.
Referring to the inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge last year, he said the vertical lift sea bridge has emerged as a symbol of engineering excellence and a major tourist attraction.
Strengthening Public Broadcasting
To expand public broadcasting services, the Prime Minister inaugurated three new Akashvani FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. The facilities are expected to enhance regional coverage and ensure uninterrupted FM broadcasting across several districts.
‘Developed Tamil Nadu for Developed India’
Calling for a “developed Tamil Nadu for developed India,” the Prime Minister said the state would play a decisive role in achieving the national vision of becoming a developed country by 2047.
He said infrastructure funding to Tamil Nadu has tripled compared to the previous decade and that the Union Budget 2026–27 continues a strong focus on the state. The budget proposes Bengaluru-Chennai and Chennai-Hyderabad bullet train corridors, which he said would revolutionise the regional economy. Tamil Nadu has also been included in proposed rare earth corridors to promote advanced manufacturing and technology development.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the Centre remains fully committed to enabling inclusive development and supporting Tamil Nadu’s continued progress.
