New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched and inaugurated a series of infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 16,600 crore in Tiruchirappalli and Kochi, aimed at strengthening connectivity, energy infrastructure, and industrial growth in the two states.
Addressing a gathering in Tiruchirappalli, the PM said the projects, worth Rs 5,600 crore, would improve energy access, strengthen connectivity, and create employment opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu.
Modi laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s City Gas Distribution network, according to an official statement.
The Rs 3,700-crore project will supply piped natural gas to nearly nine lakh households and several commercial establishments in the Nilgiris and Erode districts. Modi said the project would deliver major environmental benefits over the next eight years.
He also dedicated the Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s lube blending plant in Chennai to the nation. The PM further said the facility would strengthen the Make in India programme by boosting domestic production and reducing lubricant imports.
Highlighting rural connectivity, Modi inaugurated 370 kilometres of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He said better roads would improve access to healthcare, education, and markets for villages and support rural economic activity.
The PM also announced a new highway bypass at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple to divert heavy traffic away from the historic site built by Emperor Rajendra Chola and improve safety for visitors.
During the visit, Modi also highlighted the modernization of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. New train services linking cities such as Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Rameshwaram, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikkudi were flagged off to improve connectivity and promote tourism and trade.
Earlier in Kerala, the PM launched and laid the foundation stone for projects worth around Rs 11,000 crore in Kochi. He said the initiatives would accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen Kerala’s economic growth.
Among the key projects is the Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery, which is expected to produce four lakh tonnes annually to support industries such as packaging, textiles, and medical devices.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for a 50-MW floating solar project in West Kallada to promote renewable energy in the State. He said Kerala’s large number of water bodies provides strong potential for floating solar power generation.
The PM also highlighted railway upgrades and connectivity improvements under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including modernization work at Shoranur Junction, Kuttipuram, and Changanassery stations. A new Palakkad–Pollachi train service was also launched to strengthen regional connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
On road infrastructure, Modi said new six-lane highway projects, including the Kozhikode Bypass and improved connectivity to Azhikkal Port, would reduce travel time and ease congestion while supporting trade, tourism, and agriculture.
He added investments in modern infrastructure generate employment and support long-term economic growth. He expressed confidence that the projects would contribute to building a prosperous and developed future for the region.
