In this photo taken on March 11, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone and begins development work in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. Photo: PMO via PTI Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) said the central government’s aim is to create a developed Tamil Nadu for a developed nation.
“The central government is fully committed to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. We are working day and night for the progress of the state and will continue to do so,” the prime minister said at an official function organized at Panjapur in Tiruchi.
Mr. Modi unveiled the foundation and dedicated to the nation several development projects worth ₹5,600 crore in the power and highways sectors besides the Tamil Nadu rural connectivity project. On the occasion, he flagged off five new Expresses including two Amrit Bharat Expresses.
Stating that the new projects were important for the future of Tamil Nadu as they were related to infrastructure, clean energy, oil-related manufacturing, highways, railways and rural roads, he said they would enhance energy access connectivity and create thousands of jobs for the youth of Tamil Nadu.
Unveiling the foundation for the Bharat Petroleum City Gas Distribution Network, Mr. Modi said that an investment of around ₹ 3,700 crore has been made for this project. This network would cover the Nilgiri and Erode districts and provide pipeline natural gas to nearly nine million families and hundreds of commercial organizations.
Pipeline gas would flow directly to households, making life easier, Mr. Modi said, pointing out that thousands of jobs would be created directly and indirectly. The positive environmental impact of this project in just eight years would be similar to planting four million trees.
Inaugurating Indian Oil Corporation’s lubricant blending plant in Chennai, Mr. Modi said it was one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind. The plant caters to the requirements of many important industries in Tamil Nadu and beyond. The increase in local production of lubricants also reduces imports and saves money for the nation.
Inaugurating 370 kilometers of rural roads in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Modi said that these roads are not just a piece of physical infrastructure but will provide access to patients seeking better healthcare and allow students to travel conveniently to their schools and colleges and help farmers travel to various places where they sell their produce and buy inputs.
Unveiling the foundation for the construction of Gangaikondacholapuram bypass in the Kallagam – Meensurtti section of National Highway-81, Mr. Modi said the existing highway passed very close to the temple, causing safety concerns for pilgrims and tourists. With the construction of the new bypass, vehicles would be diverted away from the temple, ensuring safety for all.
Flagging off the new trains including Nagercoil – Charlapalli Amrit Bharat express, Podanur – Dhanbad Amrit Bharat express, Rameswaram – Mangaluru express and Mayiladuthurai – Karaikudi express, Mr. Modi said the new services will increase tourism, boost the local economy and create many jobs for the youth.
Published – 11 March 2026 20:19 IST
