Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted the importance of urban transport in supporting Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. He said the expansion of the Chennai Metro would help reduce travel time and improve daily commuting. He also noted that India’s metro network had expanded from around 250 km in 2014 to more than 1,100 km, with metro services operating in 25 cities.
The Prime Minister said infrastructure development was closely linked to industrial growth, as improved roads, railways and ports help transport raw materials and finished goods. He added that construction activity also generates employment for engineers, technicians and workers while creating demand for cement, steel, equipment and other materials.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing sector, Modi referred to the growth of electronics and engineering exports and the expansion of domestic manufacturing under initiatives such as Make in India. He also announced the foundation stone laying for an advanced lubricant base oil project, which he said would create employment and help reduce imports.
Port infrastructure was another focus of the address. Modi referred to a proposed investment of around Rs 17,000 crore to develop V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi into a mega container and green energy hub capable of handling ultra-large container vessels. The development is intended to strengthen maritime logistics and improve connectivity for industry and trade.
The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to support the fisheries sector in Tamil Nadu, including investments under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, fishing harbour modernisation, the development of fish landing centres and cold-chain facilities. Other measures mentioned included a seaweed park and working capital support for fishermen through the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
Modi said improvements in port efficiency and reductions in ship turnaround time had helped Indian products reach international markets faster. He also noted that increased fish production had supported seafood exports, which reached record levels in terms of volume and value in the previous year.
The projects announced in Chennai form part of the government’s broader focus on transport connectivity, urban infrastructure and industrial development. The Prime Minister said coordinated infrastructure development would support Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and contribute to the national objective of Viksit Bharat.
