Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai to dedicate and lay the foundation stone for a series of transformative projects valued at over 13000 crore. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that while governments have changed over the years, his personal commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu and the service of its people has remained constant. He noted that the projects being launched today are a mix of completed works and new initiatives that will Importantly enhance the daily lives of citizens and bolster the industrial and commercial landscape of the state. These initiatives are expected to create a ripple effect of growth, particularly by generating numerous employment opportunities for the youth across Tamil Nadu.
A Legacy of Collaboration with State Leadership
Reflecting on his long tenure in public service, PM Modi shared his experiences of working with various Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. He recalled his interactions with Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa during his time as a Chief Minister. Since becoming the Prime Minister, he has collaborated with Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, E. K. Stalin. He stated that he's now continuing this journey of development with the current Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. This continuity, he suggested, is a testament to his belief that the development of states is the fundamental basis for the development of the nation, while he reiterated that regardless of the political leadership in the state, his resolve to serve the people of Tamil Nadu has never wavered.
25 Years of Governance and Cooperative Federalism
The Prime Minister also touched upon a significant personal milestone, mentioning that he recently completed 25 years as a head of government, supported by the love and blessings of the people. His journey began in October 2001 when he took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Since then, the public has given him the opportunity to serve first as a Chief Minister and subsequently as the Prime Minister, while he remarked that during this 25 year journey, his faith in two major pillars of democracy—the people of the country and cooperative federalism—has grown stronger. He has always moved forward with the mantra that the progress of the country is rooted in the progress of its states.
Prioritizing Urban Development and Connectivity
During his speech, PM Modi highlighted that urban development is a major priority for the government in Tamil Nadu. He expressed his belief that urbanization should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a challenge, with public transport playing a pivotal role in this transition. Efficient transport systems, he noted, make the lives of people Notably easier, while discussing the expansion of the Chennai Metro, the Prime Minister pointed out the massive growth in India's metro network. In 2014, the country had approximately 250 kilometers of metro lines, which has now expanded to more than 1100 kilometers. The new metro line inaugurated in Chennai will further enhance this network, providing better commuting facilities for the residents.
Enhancing Port Efficiency and Global Trade
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the improvements in the efficiency of India's ports. He stated that in recent years, both the speed and efficiency of Indian ports have seen remarkable progress, while a key metric he mentioned was the turnaround time for ships—the time taken from arrival to departure—which has been reduced by half. This improvement has directly benefited exports and trade, allowing Indian products to reach global markets much faster than before. By strengthening the maritime infrastructure, the government aims to position Tamil Nadu and India as central players in international commerce.
Vision for a Developed Tamil Nadu
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi shared his vision for the state, saying that the goal is to build a Tamil Nadu that continuously reaches new heights. He assured the people that the central government stands with full commitment to provide whatever assistance is required for the state's progress. He called upon everyone to work together to realize the vision of a Developed Tamil Nadu for a Developed India. He extended his best wishes to the people for the new projects, emphasizing that the spirit of collaboration will drive the state toward a prosperous future.