NE NEWS SERVICE
PUDUCHERRY, MAR 1
In a historic push to transform Puducherry into a powerhouse of economic growth, innovation and human development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth over ₹2,700 crore, marking one of the most comprehensive development initiatives ever undertaken in the Union Territory.
Delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry. Today, multiple development works are being launched that will enhance ease of living and boost the region’s economic growth.
https://t.co/EkAhZQ2xqr— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026
The sweeping initiatives span infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrial development, housing, urban mobility and rural connectivity—aimed at enhancing ease of living, accelerating economic expansion and unlocking Puducherry’s vast potential.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches landmark projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, mobility and industry
- Vision of ‘BEST Puducherry’—Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism—gains decisive momentum
- Major investments in NIT Karaikal, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, industrial corridors and smart mobility to drive inclusive growth
- Critical care blocks, cancer centre modernisation and Ayushman Bharat reinforce healthcare access and medical tourism potential
- Connectivity upgrades, flyovers, e-buses, rural roads and industrial estates set stage for economic acceleration and job creation
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his deep connection with the region and outlined the transformative vision guiding these investments.
“Delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry. Today, multiple development works are being launched that will enhance ease of living and boost the region’s economic growth.”
‘BEST Puducherry’ vision turning into reality
Reaffirming his development mantra for the Union Territory, the Prime Minister highlighted the progress achieved under the ‘BEST’ framework.
“When I came here earlier, I had given the mantra of BEST Puducherry; BEST means Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism. In the last four and a half years, this vision is bearing fruit.”
He further noted Puducherry’s steady progress under focused governance.
“Puducherry has witnessed good governance and development.”
Highlighting the region’s cultural and spiritual legacy, the Prime Minister said:
“Puducherry is the land of Siddhars, saints, poets, and freedom fighters, where Mahakavi Subramania Bharati ignited the fire of nationalism and Sri Aurobindo and The Mother provided a spiritual vision for the world.”
Education and youth empowerment take centre stage
Underscoring the central role of youth in nation-building, the Prime Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to empowering future generations.
“A strong and empowered youth is the foundation of our growth. We are working to support their dreams.”
He highlighted key academic infrastructure initiatives designed to strengthen technical education.
“At NIT Karaikal, the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities will strengthen technical education for many students; Infrastructure upgrades have been done in Pondicherry University.”
These projects are expected to significantly enhance research capabilities, student capacity and innovation ecosystems across institutions.
Healthcare revolution: Expanding access, strengthening capacity
Regional Cancer Care Strengthened in Puducherry!
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) building at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry.
Reaffirming… pic.twitter.com/w6ik4lKDfn
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 1, 2026
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal healthcare access.
“We believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all; Ayushman Bharat scheme is already fulfilling this vision for crores of families across India.”
Highlighting Puducherry’s potential as a healthcare hub, he said: “I strongly believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. Puducherry already has nine medical colleges; The modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER will further expand healthcare capacity.”
He also announced critical infrastructure to enhance emergency care.
“Today, the foundation stone has been laid for three Critical Care Blocks for critically ill patients under PM-ABHIM.”
The establishment of an Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal and expansion of cancer care facilities are expected to strengthen holistic and specialised healthcare services.
Connectivity, mobility and industrial growth drive economic momentum
The Prime Minister stressed that connectivity forms the backbone of development and economic opportunity.
“All our efforts are towards providing Ease of Living for the people of Puducherry.”
Major infrastructure initiatives include flyovers, electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, Integrated Command and Control Centres, rural road networks and improved national highway connectivity.
The 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate—housing Pharma, Textile, IT and research parks—is set to become a major employment and industrial hub, while water supply projects, desalination plants and sewage treatment systems will strengthen urban sustainability.
The inclusion of Puducherry under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme will unlock greater funding for critical infrastructure.
Tourism, sustainability and spiritual legacy to power future growth
Highlighting tourism as a cornerstone of Puducherry’s economy, the Prime Minister emphasised investments in spiritual, eco and health tourism under national initiatives.
He noted that enhanced connectivity through the East Coast Corridor and infrastructure investments will further position Puducherry as a premier destination for tourism, business and global engagement.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Puducherry’s development.
“We will keep working for BEST Puducherry.”
A defining leap towards a developed Puducherry
The ₹2,700-crore development push represents a decisive leap toward transforming Puducherry into a modern hub of education, healthcare, innovation, tourism and industry.
From empowering youth and strengthening healthcare to building world-class infrastructure and industrial ecosystems, the projects lay a strong foundation for sustained growth and prosperity—bringing the vision of a developed Puducherry and a developed India closer to reality.
