PM highlighted a recent landmark decision to invest approximately 17,000 crore rupees to transform Thoothukudi’s VOC Port into a World-Class Mega Container and Green Energy Hub, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore across Tamil Nadu. The initiatives included those in the road and rail transport and petroleum sectors.     The PM, along with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for the developments projects at an event held at the IIT Madras.     The projects include those in National Highways worth around ₹3,700 crore, initiatives in the Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port and V O Chidambaranar Port and Amrit railway stations. He also dedicated to the nation, the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras.     Focusing on the strategic modernization of maritime logistics, the Prime Minister announced that the nation’s port infrastructure is being heavily bolstered to push the shipping sector to unprecedented heights, with Tamil Nadu playing a central role. He highlighted a recent landmark decision to invest approximately 17,000 crore rupees to transform Thoothukudi’s VOC Port into a World-Class Mega Container and Green Energy Hub, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels. “This will help Tamil Nadu become a global hub for industry and transport,” asserted Shri Modi.     Highlighting the operational successes of this maritime focus, the Prime Minister pointed out that both the speed and efficiency of Indian ports have drastically improved in recent years. He noted that significantly reducing ship turnaround times by half has allowed domestic products to reach global markets much faster than ever before. “Because of this, India’s products as well are able to reach global markets faster than before,” observed Shri Modi.     Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, built at a cost of around ₹4,900 crore.     PM Modi and CM Vijay together flagged off the new services and travelled on the Metro train. The new services are covered under Corridor four of Phase two of the Metro Rail project. In the newly inaugurated stretch, there are a total of 11 elevated Metro Stations covering approximately 15 km.     Turning to the blue economy, the Prime Minister underscored the vital role of fishermen in the nation’s Ocean Economy vision. He detailed that thousands of crores have been approved for Tamil Nadu through the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and other schemes to upgrade fishing harbors, develop landing centers, and improve cold chain facilities. . “Help has also been provided to purchase transport vehicles to keep fish fresh,” noted Shri Modi.     Elaborating on the targeted support provided to coastal communities, the Prime Minister listed several key interventions, including the modernization of the Chennai Fishing Harbour and the development of a ‘Sea-weed Park’ in the state. “Through the Kisan Credit Card, working capital is now also easily available to fishermen,” affirmed Shri Modi.     Celebrating the tangible results of these targeted maritime policies, the Prime Minister proudly announced that national fish production has increased rapidly, driving seafood exports to their highest ever levels in terms of both quantity and value last year. “This is also improving the lives of our fishermen families and people in coastal communities,” asserted Shri Modi.     Concluding his address with a unified vision for the future, the Prime Minister pledged the absolute, unwavering commitment of the central government to assist Tamil Nadu in reaching continuous new heights of prosperity.

 He called for a collective effort to realize the grand vision of a developed nation by first ensuring a fully developed Tamil Nadu, offering his best wishes for the success of all the newly launched projects. “Together, we will realize the resolve of a Viksit Bharat through a Viksit Tamil Nadu,” affirmed Shri Modi.