PM Modi Launches ₹4,900 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Tamil Nadu
THOOTHUKUDI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of development projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, focusing on enhancing infrastructure across the state. The initiatives, launched in Thoothukudi, include a modernized airport terminal, an extended runway, and a new cargo berthing facility.
The centerpiece of the event was the new terminal at Thoothukudi airport, designed in Chettinad-style architecture and spanning 17,340 square meters. This facility aims to accommodate 20 lakh passengers annually, a significant increase from current capacity, with plans to expand air connectivity both domestically and internationally. The Airports Authority of India is spearheading efforts to introduce flights to various destinations, boosting regional accessibility.
Another key project unveiled was the 306-meter-long north cargo berth at VOC Port in Thoothukudi, constructed at a cost of ₹285 crore. With a 14.20-meter draft, this facility is equipped to handle larger vessels carrying commodities such as coal, copper concentrate, limestone, gypsum, and rock phosphate. The berth is expected to generate 300 direct and 500 indirect jobs, supporting the port’s operations, which include handling containers, windmill turbine blades, fertilizers, and other cargo.
Additionally, PM Modi dedicated a 50-kilometer four-lane stretch between Sethiyathoppu and Chozhapuram, completed at ₹2,357 crore, and a six-lane upgrade of the road connecting VOC Port, costing ₹200 crore. These enhancements aim to streamline the movement of heavy vehicles carrying containers, logs, and bulk cargo, improving logistical efficiency in the region.
The event was attended by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu, and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, as noted by the PMO via PTI Photo. The initiatives reflect a broader push to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure, fostering economic growth and connectivity.