February 29, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28, 2024, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects valued at over Rs 17,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. Among these initiatives, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V O Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi and launched India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka programme. Additionally, he dedicated tourist facilities at 75 lighthouses across 10 states.
Furthermore, Modi dedicated rail projects aimed at doubling the Vanchi Maniyachchi-Nagercoil railway line, encompassing sections like Vanchi Maniyachchi-Tirunelveli and Melappalayam-Aralvaymoli. He also inaugurated four road projects in Tamil Nadu, collectively developed at a cost of approximately Rs 4,586 crore. Notably, Modi highlighted that the container terminal at V O Chidambaranar Port will entail an investment of Rs 7,000 crore. Moreover, projects worth Rs 900 crore were dedicated to the nation, while those worth Rs 2,500 crore were initiated at 13 ports.
The electrification and doubling of railway lines are anticipated to enhance connectivity between South Tamil Nadu and Kerala, along with alleviating congestion in Tirunelveli and Nagercoil. Modi underscored the significance of four major road projects in modernising Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure, which will bolster connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate trade and tourism in the state.
