Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a series of developmental projects worth ₹5,650 crore in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, aimed at bolstering the infrastructure and economy of the state.
The initiatives span multiple sectors including clean energy, petroleum-related manufacturing and enhanced multi-modal connectivity. Addressing the gathering, the PM said the projects would expand energy access, improve connectivity and create employment opportunities for the youth in the state.
Among the various initiatives, the PM laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. The ₹3,700 crore project will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to nearly nine lakh families and numerous commercial entities, transforming the Nilgiris and Erode districts, as per the official statement.
“The positive environmental impact of this project over just eight years will be similar to the planting of four crore trees,” the PM said, highlighting the environmental benefit of the project.
The Prime Minister lauded Indian Oil Corporation’s lube blending plant in Chennai, calling it a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He said the facility, one of the largest of its kind globally, will help meet rising lubricant demand while reducing imports.
Road & rail infra push
The PM also inaugurated 370 km of rural roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, calling it a major boost to rural connectivity. He said the project will improve access to healthcare, education and markets while integrating rural economies with the mainstream.
A new highway bypass project at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was also announced by the PM to preserve the cultural heritage of the region. The project aims to protect the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Emperor Rajendra Chola, by diverting heavy traffic away from the sacred site and ensuring the safety of both the monument and its visitors.
Modi also flagged off new train services during the day, linking key locations such as Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Rameshwaram, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai, Karaikkudi with other regions to foster tourism and local trade.
