NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pledged to continue working for Tamil Nadu’s development, saying his resolve remained unchanged despite changes in the state’s governments. His remarks came as chief minister C Joseph Vijay sought the Centre’s approval for Chennai Metro Phase III, reconsideration of metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, and the release of pending funds for the Samagra Shiksha scheme.PM Modi made the remarks while inaugurating and launching infrastructure projects worth Rs 13,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, including Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project. He said the projects would improve connectivity, strengthen industry and trade, and create jobs for young people.“As a CM, I got multiple opportunities to interact with Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. When I became Prime Minister, I got the opportunity to work with Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswami, and MK Stalin. Governments changed, but my resolve to develop Tamil Nadu and serve the people here and we are taking this journey forward with CM Joseph Vijay…”PM Modi also assured the state of the Centre’s continued support. “Centre will extend all help to keep Tamil Nadu growing,” he said.
PM highlights manufacturing, jobs and public transport
The Prime Minister said strengthening states was essential for the country’s development. He pointed to the Centre’s manufacturing push and cited initiatives such as Make in India and Vocal for Local as efforts benefiting Tamil Nadu.“We need to strengthen the states to strengthen the nation and therefore, the central government is promoting manufacturing in states like Tamil Nadu… The campaigns of the central government, be it Make in India or Vocal for Local, are benefiting Tamil Nadu as well.”He said manufacturing growth had created direct and indirect employment for lakhs of young people across the country, with Tamil Nadu playing an important role.“Due to the growth in manufacturing, lakhs of direct and indirect jobs have been created for youth in the country and Tamil Nadu has played an appreciable role in this growth…”PM Modi also stressed the importance of public transport in urban development. He said metro services had expanded to 25 cities over the past 12 years, with the network growing from 250 km in 2014 to 1,100 km in 2026.“Urban development is a major priority for us in Tamil Nadu… and public transport plays a major role in it, as it enhances ease of living…”He added that the newly launched projects would make travel easier and support economic activity across the state.
Vijay seeks approval for metro projects, release of funds
Vijay thanked PM for inaugurating Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project. He said his government was working towards providing a corruption-free and inclusive administration.The chief minister said Tamil Nadu had set a target of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. He urged the Centre to approve Phase III of the Chennai Metro and reconsider metro rail projects proposed for Coimbatore and Madurai.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
Vijay also sought the Centre’s support for an interstate metro rail project connecting Bommasamudra and Hosur.Among his other demands were the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, recognition of Tamil as an official language of the Madras High Court, and high-speed corridors between Chennai and Coimbatore, and Chennai and Kanyakumari.He also pressed for the release of pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.The projects launched by PM Modi cover highways, ports, railways and other infrastructure sectors. The Prime Minister said the investments would help improve transport, strengthen trade and generate employment in Tamil Nadu.
