Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a significant step towards advancing the 'Sabka Vikas' initiative as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a collection of development projects exceeding Rs 20,000 crore in Tiruchirappalli. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to foster comprehensive growth and progress in the southern regions of the country, specifically south of the Vindhyas.

Following a convocation event held at Bharathidasan University, PM Modi was honored during a public program in the city. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin jointly felicitated the Prime Minister for his commitment to driving developmental initiatives in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the transformative impact on civil aviation during his tenure. Scindia emphasized that under PM Modi's guidance, airports have evolved beyond being mere transportation hubs to become catalysts for national growth.

During his speech, Scindia underscored a transformative shift in the past 9.5 years, crediting PM Modi for democratizing civil aviation, ensuring accessibility for every citizen. He emphasized airports as not just travel hubs but also significant job generators nationwide. According to Scindia, PM Modi's vision aims at inclusive air travel, providing opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proceeded to officially inaugurate the new terminal building at Trichy airport, a project developed at a cost exceeding Rs 1100 crore. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) disclosed that the two-level international terminal boasts a capacity to accommodate over 44 lakh passengers annually, with the ability to handle approximately 3,500 passengers during peak hours.

In an official release the PMO highlighted the state-of-the-art amenities and features incorporated into the new terminal for enhanced passenger convenience. Notably, Tiruchirappalli International Airport now stands as the second-largest airport in Tamil Nadu for international passenger traffic, following Chennai.

The new terminal boasts 60 check-in counters, 5 baggage carousels, 60 arrival immigration counters, and 44 departure emigration counters. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi dedicated multiple railway projects, including line doubling and electrification in Tamil Nadu, aimed at enhancing rail capacity for freight and passenger transport, thereby fostering economic development and employment generation in the state.

PM Modi inaugurated five road projects, facilitating safer and faster travel in the region, including key industrial and commercial centers like Trichy, Srirangam, Chidambaram, Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi, Uthirakosamangai, Devipattinam, Erwadi, and Madurai. The projects include new four-lane and two-lane roads, contributing to improved connectivity.

PM Modi unveiled a vital road connecting East Coast ports, improving access to the world heritage site Mamallapuram, and enhancing connectivity to the Kalpakkam Atomic Power Plant. Additionally, he inaugurated the General Cargo Berth-II at Kamarajar Port, a move expected to bolster trade, stimulate economic growth, and generate employment.

PM Modi laid the foundation for a 323 km natural gas pipeline by GAIL and POL pipelines for the Vallur terminal in Chennai, addressing regional energy needs and fostering employment. He inaugurated NIT Tiruchirappalli's 500-bed Boys' Hostel 'AMETHYST". PM Modi is scheduled to visit Lakshadweep and Kerala on January 2 and 3.

Image source: Hindustan Times