Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Tamil Nadu of Centre’s support and said he would work with chief minister C Joseph Vijay to take the state forward.
Highlighting the expansion of metro rail in India, he said services were now operational in 25 cities, compared to five in 2014. The metro network, he added, had expanded from around 250km to more than 1,100km. Recalling his 25-year journey from chief minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister, Modi said he had consistently followed the principle of building the nation through the development of its states.
Recalling his association with former Tamil Nadu chief ministers M Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and M K Stalin, Modi said though govts have changed, his commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu and serve its people remained steadfast. “With that same resolve, together with CM Joseph Vijay, we are taking Tamil Nadu’s journey of development forward,” he said. “Together, let us create a developed India through a developed Tamil Nadu. ” The Prime Minister said urban development was among the govt’s key priorities and described urbanisation as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Speaking at the event, Vijay said the TVK government had set a target of making Tamil Nadu a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. Vijay sought the Centre’s approval for Phase III of the Chennai Metro project, covering 65 km across three corridors: Airport–Kilambakkam, Poonamallee–Sunguvarchatram and Koyambedu–Pattabiram. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union minister L Murugan and other leaders attended the event Earlier reporting noted: PM Modi, CM Vijay unveil ₹13,000-crore projects, flag off Chennai Metro stretch Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled infrastructure projects worth ₹ 13,000 crore across sectors including railways, ports and roads at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, in Chennai , aimed at boosting connectivity, industrial growth and infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. Today’s programme involves projects worth ₹ 13,000 crore.
He said the government was committed to establishing a corruption-free and transparent administration while promoting inclusive growth, including agricultural development and the welfare of fishermen. “Strong states make a strong India,” Vijay said, calling for greater coordination between the Centre and the state government. He also urged the Prime Minister to reconsider metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, which he said would boost development in western and southern Tamil Nadu. Earlier reporting noted: After inaugurating the projects virtually alongside Vijay, Modi said, “It is a pleasure to be in Chennai with all of you.
He also offered prayers at the Arulmigu Jalakandeswarar Temple on the IIT Madras campus. This is a historic day for Tamil Nadu. We are inaugurated many completed projects and laying foundations for new ones.”
Earlier reporting noted: Earlier in the day, Modi, accompanied by governor Rajendra Arlekar, chief minister C Joseph Vijay , Union minister L Murugan and senior government officials, flagged off metro rail services between Porur Bypass and Poonamallee.