Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation several development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, today. Welcoming the esteemed dignitaries and the people of Tamil Nadu, he expressed immense joy at commencing his address in the vibrant state. Highlighting the historic significance of the day, the Prime Minister announced that the event involves massive projects worth thirteen thousand crore rupees. He explained that these completed and upcoming infrastructural developments will significantly ease daily commutes while simultaneously boosting industry and trade, generating vast employment opportunities for the state's youth. “I congratulate the people of the state on this occasion,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Acknowledging the spiritual sanctity of the day, the Prime Minister noted the commencement of the holy festival of Navratri and shared that he sought blessings at the Jalakandeswarar Temple prior to arriving. He praised Tamil Nadu as the sacred land of both Shiva and Shakti, sending festival greetings across the country from this pilgrimage site. “From the pilgrimage land of Tamil Nadu, I extend my heartfelt Navratri greetings to all countrymen,” remarked Shri Modi.

Paying tribute to the architects of the nation on their birth anniversaries, the Prime Minister recalled the immense contributions of Bharat Ratna Jayaprakash Narayan and Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh. He noted that their lifelong dedication serves as a profound inspiration to serve the country with heightened devotion. “From this stage, I bow to both these great personalities,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Sharing insights from his earlier engagements, the Prime Minister discussed his visit to the Brain Research Centre at IIT Madras, emphasizing that their pioneering research holds the potential to unlock numerous public health breakthroughs. He also expressed satisfaction over dedicating a brand new stretch of the Chennai Metro to the public. “Apart from this visit, I also had the opportunity to dedicate another stretch of the Chennai Metro to the public,” noted Shri Modi.

Drawing a parallel between spirituality and modern development, the Prime Minister observed that experiencing both the ancient temples and the modern metro perfectly captures the spirit of contemporary India. He stated that the nation is advancing rapidly by drawing inspiration from its cultural heritage while simultaneously building cutting-edge infrastructure. “Our heritage and our aspirations for the future are moving forward together,” asserted Shri Modi.

Reflecting on his expansive political journey, the Prime Minister marked the milestone of completing 25 continuous years as a Head of Government since taking his first oath as Chief Minister in October 2001. He explained that his quarter-century of service to the nation has deeply solidified his absolute faith in the democratic power of the people and the essential framework of cooperative federalism. “I have always moved forward with the mantra of developing the country through the development of the state,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Explaining how his tenure at the state level shaped his national vision, the Prime Minister noted that serving as a Chief Minister allowed him to understand state-level expectations. “Therefore, after becoming the Prime Minister, I not only tried to fulfill those aspirations but also tried to ensure that every state can achieve its aspirational goals,” noted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister remembered his fruitful dialogues with stalwarts like Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa during his Chief Ministerial days, and his continued cooperative work as Prime Minister with leaders such as O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and M.K. Stalin. He emphasized that regardless of shifting governments, his commitment to Tamil Nadu's development remained resolute, and he now carries that same unwavering resolve while working alongside current Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. “Together with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay ji, we are taking this journey of Tamil Nadu's development forward,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Framing urbanization as a vital avenue for growth, the Prime Minister declared urban development in Tamil Nadu to be a supreme priority for the government. He expressed his firm belief that urban expansion should be viewed not as a challenge, but as a tremendous opportunity that must be supported by robust public transport. “If transportation is good, it increases the ease of living for the people,” asserted Shri Modi.

Elaborating on the necessity of comprehensive urban planning, the Prime Minister pointed out that merely widening roads is insufficient; modern cities demand a truly holistic infrastructural approach. He celebrated the massive nationwide expansion of the metro rail network over the past decade. “In 2014, the metro was limited to just five cities, whereas today, services are operated in twenty-five cities across the country,” noted Shri Modi.

Quantifying this rapid infrastructural leap, the Prime Minister highlighted that the national metro network has surged from approximately 250 kilometers in 2014 to over 1,100 kilometers today. He expressed great satisfaction that the latest expansion of the Chennai Metro will further enlarge this network. “This work has been done so that the journey of the common people living in Chennai becomes easier for everyone, and their travel can be completed in less time,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Pivoting to the critical role of domestic industry, the Prime Minister asserted that empowering states is the primary pathway to empowering the entire nation, which is precisely why the Central Government is aggressively promoting manufacturing in Tamil Nadu. He praised the state's vibrant small-scale industries and its workforce, noting that national campaigns like Make in India and Vocal for Local are delivering substantial regional benefits. “Every Indian is proud of the manufacturing sector of Tamil Nadu, the small-scale industries here, and every person working in them,” remarked Shri Modi.

Showcasing the dramatic success of the nation's industrial policies, the Prime Minister highlighted how strengthening the entire product chain, from components to finished technology, has transformed the country into the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer. He proudly listed the phenomenal growth metrics since 2014, including an eleven-fold increase in electronics exports. “Our defense exports have grown fifty times, and our engineering exports have also set a new record,” noted Shri Modi.

Connecting industrial expansion directly to youth empowerment, the Prime Minister stated that this massive manufacturing growth has successfully generated lakhs of direct and indirect jobs across the country, with Tamil Nadu making a highly commendable contribution. He announced the foundation laying for an advanced lubricant base oil project. "This will also create new employment here and will greatly help in reducing the country's imports,” asserted Shri Modi.

Explaining the symbiotic relationship between infrastructure and industry, the Prime Minister emphasized that a strong manufacturing sector fundamentally requires high-quality roads, railways, and ports to efficiently transport raw materials. “When such infrastructure is built, it also creates a lot of employment at different levels,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Detailing the economic chain reaction triggered by these developments, the Prime Minister noted that construction projects immediately employ engineers, technicians, and workers while simultaneously boosting small companies and factories producing cement, steel, and equipment. He explained that once completed, the enhanced connectivity from today's rail and road projects will prove critical for driving Tamil Nadu's industrial and service sectors forward. “Therefore, the rail and road projects whose foundation stones are being laid and which are being dedicated today are going to be very important for the progress of Tamil Nadu,” noted Shri Modi.

Focusing on the strategic modernization of maritime logistics, the Prime Minister announced that the nation's port infrastructure is being heavily bolstered to push the shipping sector to unprecedented heights, with Tamil Nadu playing a central role. He highlighted a recent landmark decision to invest approximately seventeen thousand crore rupees to transform Thoothukudi's VOC Port into a World-Class Mega Container and Green Energy Hub, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels. “This will help Tamil Nadu become a global hub for industry and transport,” asserted Shri Modi.

Highlighting the operational successes of this maritime focus, the Prime Minister pointed out that both the speed and efficiency of Indian ports have drastically improved in recent years. He noted that significantly reducing ship turnaround times by half has allowed domestic products to reach global markets much faster than ever before. “Because of this, India's products as well are able to reach global markets faster than before,” observed Shri Modi.

Turning to the blue economy, the Prime Minister underscored the vital role of fishermen in the nation's Ocean Economy vision. He detailed that thousands of crores have been approved for Tamil Nadu through the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and other schemes to upgrade fishing harbors, develop landing centers, and improve cold chain facilities. . “Help has also been provided to purchase transport vehicles to keep fish fresh,” noted Shri Modi.

Elaborating on the targeted support provided to coastal communities, the Prime Minister listed several key interventions, including the modernization of the Chennai Fishing Harbour and the development of a 'Sea-weed Park' in the state. “Through the Kisan Credit Card, working capital is now also easily available to fishermen,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Celebrating the tangible results of these targeted maritime policies, the Prime Minister proudly announced that national fish production has increased rapidly, driving seafood exports to their highest ever levels in terms of both quantity and value last year. “This is also improving the lives of our fishermen families and people in coastal communities,” asserted Shri Modi.

Concluding his address with a unified vision for the future, the Prime Minister pledged the absolute, unwavering commitment of the central government to assist Tamil Nadu in reaching continuous new heights of prosperity. He called for a collective effort to realize the grand vision of a developed nation by first ensuring a fully developed Tamil Nadu, offering his best wishes for the success of all the newly launched projects. “Together, we will realize the resolve of a Viksit Bharat through a Viksit Tamil Nadu,” affirmed Shri Modi.

****

MJPS/SS/PRK