In an event aimed at bolstering Tamil Nadu's infrastructure and economic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple transformative projects worth approximately Rs 17,300 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday morning. Among the key highlights of the event is the laying of the foundation stone for the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port.
The Outer Container Terminal marks a significant stride towards elevating the port into a pivotal transshipment hub for the east coast. "The project aims to leverage India's long coastline and favourable geographic location, and strengthen India's competitiveness in the global trade arena. The major infrastructure project will also lead to creation of employment generation and economic growth in the region," a PIB release said.
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate a series of initiatives aimed at establishing V.O.Chidambaranar Port as India's premier Green Hydrogen Hub Port. In a move towards embracing clean energy alternatives, Prime Minister Modi will launch India's maiden indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative.
Furthermore, the event will witness the dedication of tourist amenities across 75 lighthouses spanning ten States/Union Territories enriching India's maritime heritage and bolstering tourism prospects.
In a bid to enhance rail connectivity and expedite transportation efficiency, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate rail projects focused on doubling the Vanchi Maniyachchi - Nagercoil rail line, including the Vanchi Maniyachchi - Tirunelveli and Melappalayam - Aralvaymoli sections. With an investment of approximately Rs 1,477 crore, these endeavors are poised to significantly reduce travel time for trains traversing from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, and Tirunelveli to Chennai.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate four crucial road projects in Tamil Nadu, collectively valued at around Rs 4,586 crore. These initiatives encompass the four-laning of the Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section of NH-844, two-laning with paved shoulders of the Meensurutti-Chidambaram section of NH-81, four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section of NH-83, and two-laning with paved shoulders of the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83.