What Major Infrastructure Projects Did PM Modi Launch in Tuticorin?

Tuticorin, July 26 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for infrastructure and connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for numerous development initiatives totaling Rs 4,900 crore in Tuticorin on Saturday.

The projects encompass various sectors including aviation, railways, energy, roadways, and port logistics, promising to transform the region's economic and transportation framework.

A key highlight of the day was the inauguration of the newly constructed terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, which was developed at a cost of Rs 452 crore. Featuring modern and energy-efficient design, the terminal is expected to accommodate increased passenger traffic, enhancing air connectivity to southern Tamil Nadu and promoting tourism and business growth in the area.

Alongside the airport, the Prime Minister unveiled infrastructure projects valued at Rs 550 crore aimed at urban development and port-related logistics. These include road enhancements, sanitation upgrades, and coastal infrastructure under smart city initiatives, further reinforcing Tuticorin's position as a vital industrial and maritime hub.

Significant attention was directed towards the energy sector, especially projects linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Initiatives for power transmission to evacuate electricity from Kudankulam Units 3 and 4 have commenced, involving high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and grid integration. This is complemented by the commissioning of power distribution systems that will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to households, industries, and businesses across southern states.

Rail connectivity has seen marked improvements with the electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line, aimed at reducing diesel reliance, increasing train speeds, and facilitating tourism and cargo movement in the Theni district. The Aralvaimozhi-Nagercoil section and the Nellai-Melapalayam stretch have also been doubled, addressing long-standing bottlenecks in the region. The latter, constructed at a cost of Rs 283 crore, will significantly enhance suburban and passenger movement around Tirunelveli.

To further enhance the road network, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the four-lane development of the Sethiyathoppu-Cholapuram section of the national highway. This vital stretch links the Chidambaram and Kumbakonam regions of central Tamil Nadu, benefiting temple tourism and agricultural trade.

At the V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin, the inauguration of the third northern cargo logistics terminal, developed at a cost of Rs 285 crore, is expected to significantly enhance container and cargo movement in South India.

Railway connectivity to India's southernmost point also received a major boost with the doubling of the Nagercoil City-Junction-Kanyakumari section, enhancing passenger, tourism, and freight movements. Overall, railway projects worth Rs 1,030 crore were launched, including line doubling, electrification, station modernization, and signal upgrades. These initiatives aim to integrate southern Tamil Nadu's transport infrastructure into a cleaner, faster, and more reliable network.

The extensive range of projects inaugurated reflects the Centre's commitment to accelerating development in Tamil Nadu and solidifying the state’s role as a key logistics, energy, and transportation hub in the region.