PM Modi unveils infrastructure, power, and connectivity upgrades; calls Tamil Nadu a model for Viksit Bharat.
Soon after concluding his two-day diplomatic visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in India and headed straight to Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi on Saturday, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹4,800 crore.
Addressing a massive public gathering, PM Modi began his speech by invoking the spiritual heritage of the region: “It is my good fortune that after a four-day foreign tour, I got the opportunity to come directly to this sacred land of Bhagwan Rameswaram. It is a symbol of the growing trust of the world and the new self-confidence of India.”
He added that this renewed self-confidence is the driving force behind the government’s mission for a Viksit Bharat and Viksit Tamil Nadu—a developed India and a developed Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi’s visit marked the formal launch of multiple key initiatives aimed at strengthening logistics, enhancing regional connectivity, modernizing transportation, and accelerating energy and trade-related infrastructure.
“These efforts will not only improve connectivity but also enhance the quality of life for citizens and boost employment and trade prospects,” Modi said, calling Thoothukudi a new model of holistic development.
Touching on India’s economic diplomacy, PM Modi spoke about the recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement, calling it a “giant leap” towards Viksit Bharat.
“After this FTA, 99% of Indian products sold in Britain will be tax-free. When Indian goods become cheaper in Britain, their demand will increase there. And here in India, more opportunities will be created for manufacturing,” he stated.
The PM said the deal would significantly benefit Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs, small industries, start-ups, and youth by opening global markets to Indian products.
In a fiery segment of his address, PM Modi referenced Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s Make in India initiative and defence self-reliance.
“You all recently witnessed the power of Make in India during Operation Sindoor. Weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble,” he said. “They are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night.”
He reiterated that India’s defence push is not just about warfare but also about protecting sovereignty through self-reliance and technological strength.
Emphasizing the transformative role of railways in economic development, Modi said, “Our government considers the railways as the lifeline of industrial growth and an Atmanirbhar Bharat. That is why, in the past 11 years, railway infrastructure has entered a new era of modernization.”
He assured that the new railway projects would improve passenger and freight mobility across South Tamil Nadu and fuel industrial development in the region.
PM Modi concluded his address by stating that Tamil Nadu’s progress is key to India's transformation.
“These projects reflect the government’s deep commitment to South India’s progress. Tamil Nadu is not just a participant but a leader in building a Viksit Bharat,” he declared.
