Tamil Nadu is poised for a significant developmental leap with the inauguration and foundation stone laying for projects worth over ₹4,800 crore by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These extensive initiatives, spanning airports, highways, ports, railways, and power, are strategically designed to enhance connectivity, improve logistical performance, and bolster energy infrastructure. This comprehensive investment underscores the Union government’s commitment to transforming Tamil Nadu into a leading developed state, fostering sustainable and equitable urban and regional growth.
A cornerstone of this development is the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, built at a cost of ₹450 crore. This modern facility is set to dramatically increase passenger handling capacity from 3 lakh to over 20 lakh annually. Crucially, the terminal incorporates advanced sustainability features, including 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and an on-site sewage treatment plant, all designed to meet stringent GRIHA-4 sustainability standards. This commitment to green infrastructure ensures that enhanced air connectivity contributes to a lower carbon footprint and a healthier urban environment.
Road infrastructure receives a substantial boost with two major projects. The ₹2,350 crore four-laning of the 50-kilometre Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, complete with bypasses, bridges, flyovers, and underpasses, is projected to reduce travel time by 45 minutes. Additionally, the ₹200 crore six-laning of the 5.16-kilometre NH-138 Thoothukudi Port road will significantly improve cargo flow and support port-led industrial growth. These road enhancements will not only ease movement between Delta districts and Chennai but also contribute to reduced fuel consumption and vehicular emissions through smoother traffic.
In the maritime sector, the North Cargo Berth-III at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at ₹285 crore, has been inaugurated, enhancing cargo handling capacity by 6.96 MMTPA. This port upgrade is vital for bolstering trade and logistics efficiency, which can lead to reduced turnaround times for vessels and more streamlined operations, contributing to a more eco-efficient supply chain. The integration of ports with highways and railways is a key focus, ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity.
Railway connectivity across southern Tamil Nadu is also set for significant improvements. Projects include the electrification of the 90-kilometre Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line and the doubling of the Nagercoil city-Kanniyakumari segment, along with the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam sections. These railway enhancements, costing ₹650 crore, will reduce travel time, enhance freight capacity, and promote rail as a more energy-efficient and lower-carbon mode of transport.
The energy sector sees a major investment with the foundation stone laid for a ₹550 crore electricity transmission project linked to Units 3 and 4 (2×1000 MW) of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. This 400 kV double-circuit line to Thoothukudi-II GIS substation will strengthen the national grid and facilitate clean power distribution. Furthermore, the state’s embrace of renewable energy is evident, with over 1 lakh applications and 40,000 solar rooftop installations completed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, offering free energy and generating green jobs.
These holistic investments underscore a strategic vision for Tamil Nadu’s integrated development. By prioritising sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and efficient logistics, the state is not only driving economic growth but also fostering environmental stewardship and creating equitable opportunities for its citizens, including the fishing community, through initiatives like the Blue Revolution. This comprehensive approach positions Tamil Nadu as a model for future-ready and sustainably developed regions in India.
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