PM Modi inaugurates Chennai Metro stretch, launches projects at IIT Madras
Synopsis
Modi's first Chennai visit since the Vijay government took office packed three distinct agendas into one day: a ₹750 crore Metro inauguration alongside the Chief Minister, a cultural and research push at IIT Madras including a music centre linked to Ilaiyaraaja, and a school golden jubilee — signalling both infrastructure delivery and political outreach in a state the BJP is keen to make inroads in.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi visited Chennai on 11 October — his first trip since the Vijay government took office in Tamil Nadu.
He inaugurated the Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro corridor , built at a cost of ₹750 crore , travelling from Porur to Poonamallee with Chief Minister Vijay .
At IIT Madras , he inaugurated development projects, laid foundation stones for new initiatives, and opened a music training centre linked to composer Ilaiyaraaja .
He attended the golden jubilee of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Nandambakkam .
The Tamil Nadu BJP organised roadshows and receptions along the Prime Minister's routes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai on Sunday, 11 October to inaugurate a newly built Metro rail corridor, launch a series of development projects, and attend engagements at IIT Madras and a school marking its golden jubilee — his first visit to the city since the Vijay government assumed office in Tamil Nadu.
The Metro Inauguration
Modi arrived at Chennai airport from New Delhi at 11 am and travelled by road to Porur Metro station, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and state ministers received him. The Prime Minister and Chief Minister then rode together on the newly constructed Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro corridor, travelling from Porur to Poonamallee. The stretch has been developed at a cost of ₹750 crore. During the journey, Modi reportedly interacted with students and workers on board.
IIT Madras: Research, Culture and Infrastructure
After the Metro programme, the Prime Minister reached the IIT Madras campus at 12.15 pm. He first visited the Jalakanteswarar temple on campus to offer prayers, before proceeding to the institute's brain research centre. At a campus function, Modi inaugurated completed development projects, dedicated them to the nation, and laid foundation stones for new initiatives across Tamil Nadu. He also addressed the gathering. Among the highlights was the inauguration of a music training centre on the IIT campus associated with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja.
School Golden Jubilee and Departure
Following his IIT engagements, Modi travelled to Nandambakkam to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School. His address at the school function was scheduled for 3 pm. He subsequently returned to Chennai airport and departed for New Delhi, concluding the day's visit.
Security and Political Reception
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place at all venues and along the connecting routes between the airport, Porur Metro station, IIT Madras, and Nandambakkam. The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised receptions along the Prime Minister's travel routes, with party members gathered at designated locations. Preparations were also made for roadshows at two points along the routes, and a separate reception was arranged at Chennai airport.
Significance of the Visit
This is Modi's first visit to Chennai since Chief Minister Vijay's government took office in Tamil Nadu, lending the trip political significance beyond its infrastructure and institutional agenda. The day's itinerary — spanning transport, research, culture, and education — signals the Centre's intent to deepen project delivery in the southern state. The ₹750 crore Poonamallee–Vadapalani corridor is expected to ease commute pressure on one of Chennai's busiest western corridors, with ripple effects on real estate and daily mobility for lakhs of residents.
Point of View
And a joint Metro ride with Chief Minister Vijay — broadcast to the state — is a deliberate image of Centre-state cooperation that Modi's team will want amplified. The Ilaiyaraaja music centre inauguration at IIT Madras is a soft-power gesture aimed squarely at Tamil cultural pride. The harder question is whether the ₹750 crore Metro stretch, while welcome, is commensurate with Chennai's chronic urban mobility deficit — and whether foundation stones laid today translate into completed projects before the next electoral cycle.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metro corridor did PM Modi inaugurate in Chennai?
PM Modi inaugurated the Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro corridor on 11 October, travelling from Porur to Poonamallee alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. The stretch was built at a cost of ₹750 crore.
What did PM Modi do at IIT Madras during his Chennai visit?
At IIT Madras, Modi visited the Jalakanteswarar temple, toured the brain research centre, inaugurated completed development projects, laid foundation stones for new Tamil Nadu initiatives, and opened a music training centre associated with composer Ilaiyaraaja.
Why is Modi's Chennai visit politically significant?
It is his first visit to Chennai since the Vijay government assumed office in Tamil Nadu, making it a notable moment of Centre-state engagement in a state where the BJP has historically had limited electoral presence.
Which school did PM Modi visit during his Chennai trip?
Modi attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Nandambakkam, where he addressed the gathering at 3 pm.
What security and political arrangements were made for Modi's Chennai visit?
Elaborate security was deployed at all venues and along routes connecting the airport, Porur Metro station, IIT Madras, and Nandambakkam. The Tamil Nadu BJP organised receptions and roadshows at two points along the Prime Minister's travel routes.
