PM Narendra Modi launches Rs 4,400-crore development projects in Madurai.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, March 1, 2026: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a large gathering in the temple city, the Prime Minister said the projects mark a proud chapter in Tamil Nadu’s development journey and are aimed at transforming connectivity, boosting economic growth, generating employment, and improving the lives of lakhs of people.
Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people—better roads for farmers to reach markets, easier travel for pilgrims and tourists, and faster transport for businesses,” he said.
Narendra Modi announced the major highway projects:
Highlighting infrastructure expansion, the Prime Minister noted that more than 4,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed in Tamil Nadu since 2014.
He laid the foundation stone for two key National Highway projects: Four-laning of the Marakkanam—Puducherry section (Rs 2,100 + crore) to strengthen coastal tourism and trade.
Four-laning of the Paramakudi—Ramanathapuram stretch (Rs 1,800 + crore) to improve access to pilgrimage destinations like Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, and to ease the transport of agricultural and marine products.
Railways transformation in Tamil Nadu:
The Prime Minister said Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation over the past decade.
He highlighted that: Railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has increased nearly nine-fold. Average annual allocation rose from Rs 880 crore (2009—2014) to Rs 7,600 crore in 2026-27. Over 1,300 kilometers of new tracks have been laid. 97% electrification has been achieved. Numerous flyovers and underpasses have improved safety and efficiency.
He recalled inaugurating the new Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, last year.
Vande Bharat, station redevelopment & broadcasting expansion:
Currently, nine Vande Bharat and Nine Amrit Bharat trains operate in Tamil Nadu, with coaches manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai under the ‘Make in India’ Initiative.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme:
77 stations are being modernized in the state. Eight redeveloped stations were inaugurated today. The Chennai Beach—Chennai Egmore fourth railway line was dedicated, benefiting daily commuters.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated Akashvani’s new PM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud, and Vellore.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that infrastructure funding for Tamil Nadu has tripled compared to the previous decade and that the 2026 Union Budget maintains a strong focus on the state.
He mentioned proposed bullet train corridors: Bengaluru—Chennai, Chennai—Hyderabad.
PM Narendra Modi also noted Tamil Nadu’s inclusion in the Rare Earth Corridors initiative to promote advanced manufacturing research and technology development.
Emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural legacy, the Prime Minister announced that Adichanallur will be developed into a global heritage destination.
Eco-tourism initiatives around Pulicat Lake and Podhigai Malai will create employment while preserving natural ecosystems.
Vision for developed India 2047:
Additionally, around 200 industrial clusters nationwide will be identified and supported to boost manufacturing, benefiting Tamil Nadu’s youth.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth, he concluded: “Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for a developed India.”
EOM.
