Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and laid foundation stones for projects worth about Rs 13,000 crore in Chennai. Beginning his address with a greeting in Tamil, he said the day was significant for both India and Tamil Nadu.
Modi said the mix of completed and new projects would help speed up daily travel, strengthen industry and create jobs for young people in the state. He extended his wishes to the public and conveyed Navaratri greetings from Tamil Nadu, describing it as a sacred land, and said he had received blessings at the Jalakandeswarar temple before the event.
During his visit, the Prime Minister said he toured a brain research laboratory at IIT Madras and noted that work in the field could open up new opportunities. He also flagged off a new phase of the Chennai Metro, linking the state’s cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and scientific progress.
Reflecting on his public life, Modi said his experience as a chief minister strengthened his faith in citizens and in federalism, and shaped his approach to meeting states’ expectations. He recalled working with past Tamil Nadu leaders and said that, regardless of changes in governments, the commitment to the state’s development has continued.
Stressing urban development, Modi said urbanisation should be seen as an opportunity, with public transport playing a key role. He pointed to the expansion of metro rail across the country over the past decade and said the Chennai Metro’s growth aims to make travel easier for ordinary residents, employees, students and senior citizens.
