Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi on Wednesday. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal felicitated the PM. In the highlights of the event, the PM laid the foundation stone for the second launch complex in Kulasekarapattinam of Thoothukudi as part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).


Addressing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today, Tamil Nadu is writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi. Many projects are being inaugurated here. These projects are an important part of the roadmap for a developed India. One can also see the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat' in these developments."


















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He said, "Today, India's first hydrogen fuel ferry has also been launched. This ferry will soon start running on the river Ganga in Kashi. This is a big gift from the people of Tamil Nadu to the people of Kashi...When the people of Kashi and every countryman going to Kashi board this ferry, they will feel that Tamil Nadu is also their own."


On the development projects related to rail and road, PM said, "The work of electrification and doubling of the rail line will further improve the connectivity between South Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Today, I have also inaugurated four big projects worth Rs 5,000 crores, which will improve the road connectivity of the state, reduce travel time, and also boost tourism and Industry." 


In the expansive array of projects totaling Rs 17,300 crore inaugurated in Thoothukudi, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port. Additionally, he inaugurated various initiatives aimed at positioning the port as nation's foremost Green Hydrogen Hub Port. Notably, the launch included India's maiden indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative.


During the program, Prime Minister also dedicated tourist amenities across 75 lighthouses spanning ten States/Union Territories.  Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi dedicated rail projects facilitating the doubling of the Vanchi Maniyachchi - Nagercoil rail line, encompassing the Vanchi Maniyachchi - Tirunelveli and Melappalayam - Aralvaymoli sections.


Additionally, four pivotal road projects in Tamil Nadu were dedicated by the Prime Minister with an investment of Rs 4,586 crore. These projects include 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. 














Earlier, in a Tamil post, PM Modi said, “I received immense love in Palladam and Madurai. I am looking forward to today's events in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli before leaving for Yavatmal, Maharashtra."