Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of development projects worth more than 13,000 crore rupees across Tamil Nadu at an event held at IIT-Madras in Chennai today. The projects span road and rail transport, port infrastructure, petroleum and scientific research. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was also present on the occasion. The projects include National Highway works worth around 3,700 crore rupees, initiatives at Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port and V. O. Chidambaranar Port, and the development of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described the inauguration of projects worth 13-thousand crore rupees in Tamil Nadu as a historic occasion, saying the initiatives will improve connectivity, strengthen industry and trade, and create employment opportunities for the state’s youth. Mr. Modi said the projects will make daily travel easier and support the state’s economic growth.

Recalling his interactions with former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, Mr. Modi said he had also worked with former Chief Ministers O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M. K. Stalin during his tenure as Prime Minister. He said that despite changes in governments, his commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu and the welfare of its people had remained unchanged. He added that he would continue this journey in cooperation with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.