Puducherry, March 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on Sunday that Puducherry has the capability to evolve into a significant medical tourism destination in India, as he inaugurated and laid the foundation for development initiatives amounting to Rs 2,700 crore in the union territory.

Speaking to a large assembly, the Prime Minister emphasized that mobility, modern infrastructure, and quality healthcare are essential components of growth.

"Vanakkam Puducherry! I am thrilled to be among my dear friends and family of Puducherry for the initiation of various development projects. The double-engine NDA government has diligently worked for the betterment of the community," the PM remarked.

He highlighted that the Centre has prioritized both urban and rural infrastructure enhancement to promote inclusive growth.

“Mobility is crucial for progress,” PM Modi stated, noting the ongoing construction of numerous rural roads to aid farmers and small enterprises.

He also shared plans aimed at alleviating congestion in Puducherry town, including a flyover valued at Rs 140 crore.

Addressing healthcare, the Prime Minister affirmed that a nation can thrive only when its human capital is healthy. “Healthcare is our primary focus. It must be accessible, available, and affordable for everyone,” he stated, adding that no resident of Puducherry should endure long travels for medical care.

Instead, he envisaged Puducherry attracting patients from within India and beyond. “We are confident that Puducherry can transform into a medical tourism hotspot. It already boasts nine medical colleges,” he noted.

Highlighting the significance of clean and sustainable mobility, PM Modi remarked that the world is progressing towards greener transportation options. He described electric vehicles as essential to modern living and mentioned that e-buses under the PM e-Bus Seva scheme would be a “transformational” asset for a tourism-centric region like Puducherry by diminishing pollution levels.

He also referenced initiatives such as water distillation plants for ensuring clean drinking water and new sewage treatment facilities to improve waste management and enhance living conditions.

The Prime Minister underscored that empowering the youth is central to India’s growth narrative.

He unveiled new infrastructure at NIT Karaikal, including the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and contemporary hostel accommodations to bolster technical education.

Enhancements at Puducherry University, such as a new lecture hall and a girls’ hostel, will further support students, he noted.

PM Modi also welcomed the filling of thousands of government vacancies in Puducherry, pointing out that direct recruitment exams had not been conducted for decades in several departments.

“The double-engine government ensured these exams were carried out. I commend the youth who have stepped up to serve the community,” he stated.

Focusing on national infrastructure development, the Prime Minister mentioned that a record Rs 12 lakh crore has been allocated in this year’s Union Budget for infrastructure projects.

He added that Puducherry is now part of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, enhancing funding prospects for roads, water supply, coastal infrastructure, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Recalling his previous call for “BEST Puducherry”—which stands for business, education, spirituality, and tourism—PM Modi asserted that the vision is now yielding results.

He pointed out the union territory’s improvement in per capita income and its achievement of the highest social progress score in the nation.

“When the Centre and the union territory collaborate with a shared vision and commitment, outcomes are quicker and superior,” he said, asserting that the double-engine NDA government would expedite Puducherry’s growth journey.