PM Modi to Launch ₹4,800 Crore Development Projects in Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu on July 26 and 27, 2025, to inaugurate and lay the foundation for a series of transformative development projects worth over ₹4,800 crore. These projects, spanning sectors like aviation, roadways, railways, ports, and energy, reflect the central government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth and regional empowerment. With Tamil Nadu being a key industrial and logistics hub in southern India, this large-scale investment is poised to bolster economic activity and improve public services across the state.

PM will inaugurate New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore | NDTV

Upgraded Tuticorin Airport: Gateway to Southern Tamil Nadu

Among the marquee projects is the newly constructed terminal building at Tuticorin Airport. Built at a cost of approximately ₹450 crore, the terminal spans over 17,000 square meters and is designed to handle 1,350 peak-hour passengers. The facility incorporates sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment systems, and provisions for solar energy, reflecting the government’s commitment to green infrastructure.

In addition to the terminal, the expansion includes the extension of the runway, construction of a new Air Traffic Control tower, fire station, parking bays for aircraft, and a vehicle parking area that can accommodate up to 500 cars. With these upgrades, Tuticorin Airport will now support night operations and provide seamless air connectivity for southern districts, enhancing tourism, trade, and mobility.

Strengthening National Highways for Economic Flow

Road infrastructure in the state will receive a major boost with the inauguration of key highway development projects. The four-laning of a 50-kilometer stretch of National Highway 36 between Sethiyathope and Cholapuram, built at an estimated cost of ₹2,350 crore, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time. This stretch includes new bypasses, flyovers, and large bridges such as the one over the Kollidam River.

Another notable development is the six-laning of a 5.16-kilometer segment of NH-138, which serves as the access road to VO Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin. This upgrade will streamline cargo movement to and from the port, cutting logistics costs and supporting the state’s vibrant manufacturing and export sectors.

Port Modernization: Enhancing Trade and Logistics

As part of the push to transform Tamil Nadu into a maritime gateway for India, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the North Cargo Berth-III at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin. Developed at a cost of ₹285 crore, this new facility adds a handling capacity of nearly 7 million metric tonnes per annum for dry bulk cargo. The berth is designed to accommodate modern, large-sized cargo vessels and is expected to play a pivotal role in increasing port throughput and efficiency.

This development not only positions Tuticorin as a key logistics node for southern India but also aligns with the broader PM Gati Shakti initiative to strengthen multimodal connectivity nationwide.

Railway Electrification and Doubling: Expanding Track Capacity

Indian Railways is also a major beneficiary of this infrastructure push. The electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur line will be inaugurated, improving efficiency, cutting fuel costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability. This route is vital for local passenger and freight transport and is expected to significantly reduce journey times.

Additionally, key sections of the railway network in southern Tamil Nadu are being doubled. These include the Nagercoil Town–Kanniyakumari segment, as well as stretches between Aralvaymozhi and Nagercoil Junction and between Tirunelveli and Melappalayam. The upgrades will increase line capacity, allow for smoother train operations, and support the growing demand for rail transport in the region.

Power Infrastructure: Clean Energy for the Future

In a move aimed at bolstering India’s energy security and grid reliability, PM Modi will lay the foundation for a new Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project in Tamil Nadu. This ₹550 crore project will evacuate 2,000 megawatts of electricity generated from Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The project includes a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the power station to the Tuticorin-II GIS substation.

This new energy corridor will not only ensure stable power supply for Tamil Nadu and neighboring states but also help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It underscores the central government’s efforts to promote nuclear energy as a clean, reliable alternative to meet growing power demands.

Celebrating Tamil Heritage: Commemorating Rajendra Chola I

On July 27, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. This event marks the 1,000th anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I’s legendary maritime expedition and the beginning of construction at this iconic temple. As part of the celebration, PM Modi will release a commemorative coin in honor of the Chola emperor, acknowledging the state’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

This symbolic gesture ties India’s developmental aspirations with its proud historical legacy, particularly the achievements of ancient Tamil rulers in governance, naval prowess, and temple architecture.

Looking Ahead: The Role of the Cauvery Basin Refinery

While not part of the ₹4,800 crore package being unveiled during this visit, the upcoming Cauvery Basin Refinery in Nagapattinam deserves special mention. This mega project, estimated to cost between ₹33,000–₹36,000 crore, is a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL). Once completed, it will produce a wide range of fuels and petrochemical products, serving as a cornerstone for Tamil Nadu’s industrial future.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, both during construction and post-commissioning. Although its timeline has been revised to 2030–31 due to reconfiguration plans, the refinery holds significant promise for transforming the coastal economy of Nagapattinam and adjoining districts.

Conclusion: A Transformative Milestone for Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu is more than a ceremonial tour—it is a bold declaration of intent to transform the state into a modern, infrastructure-rich, and economically resilient region. The ₹4,800 crore investment package touches every critical sector—transportation, energy, logistics, culture, and heritage.

By laying the foundation for next-generation airports, ports, railways, highways, and power corridors, the Centre is sending a clear message: Tamil Nadu is not only a cultural treasure of India but also a vital engine for the nation’s economic growth. These developments will open new avenues for trade, tourism, employment, and industrial expansion, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions across the state.

(Sources: NDTV, Swarajya, DD News)