Tamils’ dreams finally coming true now, under NDA government: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Modi announces major development projects in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, emphasizing progress and employment opportunities.

Several genuine demands of the Tamils that had remained only dreams for decades under the United Progressive Alliance’s (UPA) rule at the Centre, have started to becoming a reality over the past 10 years under the present Central government: various development projects worth thousands of crores have been sanctioned in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

 Addressing a meeting held at the VOC (V.O. Chidambaranar) Port in Thoothukudi on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, after laying the foundation stone for new schemes and dedicating to the nation, completed projects worth about ₹17,300 crore, Mr. Modi said Tamil Nadu was writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi as multiple development projects were being launched.

One could witness the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Developed India) in the development projects of today, Mr. Modi said, emphasising that even though the projects might be executed in Thoothukudi, they would give momentum to development in multiple places across India.

The Prime Minister reiterated the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and the role of Tamil Nadu in it. He recalled his visit to the State a few years ago, when he had flagged off many projects for the expansion of the VOC Port’s cargo-handling capacity, and also recalled his promise of making it into a major hub of shipping. “That guarantee is being fulfilled today,” he said.

Talking about the foundation stone of the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at the VOC Port, Mr. Modi said the project would have an investment of over ₹7,000 crore. Projects worth ₹900 crore have been dedicated on Wednesday, and projects worth ₹2,500 have been initiated at 13 ports, he pointed out. These projects would benefit Tamil Nadu and would create avenues of employment in the State, he said.  

“This is not politics… This is development ideology. The government in Tamil Nadu will not allow the publication all these projects. I have come to Tamil Nadu for the service of the land and to change its fate. The Centre will cross all these hurdles to execute development projects in Tamil Nadu,” the Prime Minister said even as the crowd chanted ‘Modi, Modi’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ for a couple of minutes.

Recounting the initiatives of the Central government, Mr. Modi said that in the past 10 years, 1,300 km of rail projects have been undertaken in Tamil Nadu and over 2,000 km of railway electrification was achieved. Additionally, flyovers and underpasses have been built and the upgradation of many railway stations was also carried out.