Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 1 March, launched infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹7,100 crore across Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, covering sectors such as transport connectivity, urban infrastructure, railways, education, healthcare, industry, and broadcasting.
In Puducherry, projects worth more than ₹2,700 crore were launched, aimed at strengthening urban services, industrial development, healthcare, education, and sustainable infrastructure.
Key initiatives inaugurated included the rollout of electric buses under the PM e-Bus Seva programme, an Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission, housing for Economically Weaker Sections under the CITIIS initiative, and water supply and sewerage infrastructure projects.
Academic and healthcare infrastructure was expanded with the inauguration of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Composite Engineering Block and Ganga Hostel at NIT Karaikal, modernization of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER, and new academic and hostel facilities at Pondicherry University.
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, which will host a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, an IIT Madras research centre, and advanced healthcare facilities linked to JIPMER, aimed at supporting industrial expansion and employment generation.
Foundation stones were laid for multiple infrastructure projects including water supply schemes, 41 rural roads under PMGSY, heritage town development, mangrove restoration under the MISHTI scheme, and power infrastructure upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, along with urban infrastructure works under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment programme.
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In Tamil Nadu, projects worth over ₹4,400 crore were launched in Madurai, focused on enhancing connectivity and regional economic development.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry section of NH-332A, which is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 50 per cent, from one hour to about 30 minutes, while improving connectivity to Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam, Auroville, and surrounding regions.
The Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram section of NH-87 was also launched, which will reduce travel time by around 40 per cent, improve access to major religious destinations such as Madurai and Rameswaram, and strengthen links to railway stations, airports, and ports across the region.
Rail infrastructure upgrades included the inauguration of eight redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme – Morappur, Bommidi, Srivilliputtur, Sholavandan, Manaparai, Pollachi Junction, Karaikkudi Junction, and Thiruvarur Junction – featuring upgraded station buildings, improved accessibility, modern waiting halls, lifts and escalators, upgraded platforms, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the Chennai Beach-Chennai Egmore fourth railway line, which will improve suburban rail capacity and enable additional passenger and freight services, benefiting lakhs of daily commuters.
Additionally, three new Akashvani FM relay transmitters were inaugurated at Kumbakonam, Yercaud, and Vellore to expand FM radio coverage and improve access to public broadcasting services across multiple districts.
The projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity, expanding public infrastructure, supporting industrial development, and improving urban services across Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.
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