NE NEWS SERVICE
THOOTHUKUDI, FEB 28
Claiming that Tamil Nadu is writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
Speaking at inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development works in Thoothukudi.https://t.co/xthaafMBuW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2024
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port. The Prime Minister also launched India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative. He dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs. He also dedicated to the nation, rail projects for doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi – Nagercoil rail line, including the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam – Aralvaymoli section. The Prime Minister dedicated four road projects in Tamil Nadu, developed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 Crore.
Prime Minister @narendramodi unveils infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 17,000 Crore at VO Chidambaranar Port, #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/0t2HjsocEh
— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 28, 2024
- PM Modi inaugurates new projects worth Rs 17,300 cr in Thoothukudi
- Lays foundation stone for Outer Harbor Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port
- Dedicates tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs
- Launches India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel, a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that Tamil Nadu is writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi as inauguration and foundation stones are being laid for multiple development projects towards the road map of developed India. He said that one can witness the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat in the development projects of today. Even though the projects may be in Thoothukudi, the Prime Minister emphasized that it will give momentum to development in multiple places across India.
The Prime Minister reiterated the journey of Viksit Bharat and the role of Tamil Nadu in it. He recalled his visit 2 years ago when he flagged off many projects for the expansion of the Chidambaranar Port capacity and his promise of making it into a major hub of shipping. “That guarantee is being fulfilled today”, said the Prime Minister. Talking about the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister informed that this project will have an investment of Rs 7,000 crore. Projects worth Rs 900 crore have been dedicated today and Rs 2,500 crore worth projects were initiated on 13 ports. These projects will benefit Tamil Nadu and will create avenues of employment in the state, he said.
The Prime Minister reminded that the development projects of today being brought by the present government are the people’s demands and the previous governments never paid any attention to them. “I have come to Tamil Nadu for the service of the land and to change its fate”, the Prime Minister said.
Talking about India’s first hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative, PM Modi called it a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi. He said that he witnessed the enthusiasm and affection of the people of Tamil Nadu in Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The Prime Minister inaugurated various other projects aimed at making the V.O.Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production, and bunkering facility. “Tamil Nadu will go a long way with regard to the alternatives that the world is exploring today”, he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the rail and road development projects of today and said that the electrification and doubling of rail lines will further improve connectivity between South Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while also easing the congestion in Tirunelveli and Nagercoil sectors. He also mentioned the four major projects for the modernization of roadways in Tamil Nadu worth more than Rs 4,000 crores today, the Prime Minister said that it will give a boost to connectivity, reduce travel time and encourage trade and tourism in the state.
Referring to the whole-of-government approach of New India, the Prime Minister said that roadways, highways and waterways departments are working to create better connectivity and better opportunities in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, railways, roads and maritime projects are being launched in tandem. Multi-modal approach will give new momentum to the development of the state, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister recalled his suggestion to develop prime lighthouses of the country into tourist destinations during an episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and expressed pride in dedicating tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs. “Developments in 75 places at once, this is new India”, PM Modi remarked, and expressed confidence that these 75 places will become huge tourist centers in the coming times.
Recounting the initiatives of the central government, the Prime Minister informed that in the last 10 years, 1300 KM long rail projects were undertaken in Tamil Nadu. 2000 km railway electrification was achieved, creation of flyover and underpass and the upgradation of many railway stations was done. He said 5 Vande Bharat trains are running in the state providing world-class travel experience. The Government of India is investing 1.5 lakh crore rupees in the road infrastructure of Tamil Nadu. “Central government’s efforts to improve connectivity are increasing the ease of living”, he said.
The Prime Minister underscored the great expectations with the waterways and the maritime sector of India for decades and said that these sectors are becoming the foundations of Viksit Bharat today, and Tamil Nadu along with the entire South India are the biggest beneficiaries of this. The Prime Minister highlighted the three major ports and more than 12 small ports in Tamil Nadu and underlined the possibilities for all southern states. “Development of Maritime Sector means development of a state like Tamil Nadu”, the Prime Minister said, informing about the 35 percent growth of traffic on V.O.Chidambaranar Port in the last decade. He further added that the port handled 38 million tons last year recording an annual growth of 11 percent. “Similar results can be seen in other major ports of the country”, PM Modi added, crediting the role of projects like Sagarmala.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan were present on the occasion among others.
