PM’s address at the laying foundation stone, and inauguration of development works at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 02 Jan, 2024

Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri R.N. Ravi ji, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ji, my cabinet colleagues Jyotiraditya Scindia ji, and son of this soil L. Murugan ji, ministers of Tamil Nadu government, MPs and MLAs and my family members of Tamil Nadu! Vanakkam (Greetings)! (Opening remarks in Tamil language) I wish that the year 2024 is peaceful and prosperous for everyone. It is a privilege that my first public programme in 2024 is happening in Tamil Nadu. Today’s development projects worth nearly Rs 20000 crore will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s progress. I congratulate you for these projects spanning roadways, railways, ports, airports, energy and a petroleum pipeline. Many of these projects will boost ease of travel and also create thousands of employment opportunities. Friends, The last few weeks of 2023 were difficult for many people in Tamil Nadu. We lost many of our fellow citizens due to heavy rains. There has also been significant loss of property. I was deeply moved at the condition of the affected families. The central government stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this time of crisis. We are providing every possible support to the state government. Further, just a few days ago, we lost Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. He was a Captain not only in the world of cinema but also in politics. He won the hearts of the people through his work in films. As a politician, he always put national interest above everything. I pay my tributes to him. I also express my condolences to his family and admirers. Friends, Today, when I am here, I also remember another son of Tamil Nadu, Dr M.S. Swaminathan Ji. He played an important role in ensuring food security for our country. We lost him last year as well. My dear Tamil family members, The era of ‘Azaadi Ka Amritkaal,’ spanning the next 25 years, is dedicated to transforming Bharat into a developed nation. When I refer to a developed Bharat, it encompasses both economic and cultural dimensions. In this journey, Tamil Nadu holds a distinct role. Tamil Nadu symbolizes Bharat’s cultural richness and heritage. The state possesses an ancient repository of Tamil language and wisdom. From Saint Thiruvalluvar to Subramania Bharati, numerous sages and scholars have composed remarkable literature. Scientific and technological brilliance, from CV Raman to the contemporary personalities, has emanated from this soil. Hence, every visit to Tamil Nadu fills me with renewed vigour. Dear family members, The city of Tiruchirappalli vividly displays evidence of its illustrious history at every turn. It reflects the model of good governance adopted by various dynasties such as Pallava, Chola, Pandya, and Nayaka. Because of my personal acquaintance with many Tamil friends, I have gained profound insights into Tamil culture. Regardless of where I travel globally, it is hard for me to resist talking about Tamil Nadu. Friends, My aspiration is to continually integrate the cultural inspiration derived from Tamil Nadu into the nation’s development and heritage. The installation of the sacred Sengol in the new Parliament building in Delhi symbolizes an attempt to draw inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s model of good governance, which has influenced the entire country. Initiatives like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam aim for the same. These campaigns have heightened enthusiasm for the Tamil language and culture across the nation. Dear family members, Over the last ten years, Bharat has made substantial investments in modern infrastructure. Be it roads, railways, ports, airports, housing for the underprivileged, or healthcare, Bharat is making unprecedented investments in both physical and social infrastructure. Today, Bharat ranks among the top five economies globally, offering a new beacon of hope. Significant investments from major global investors are flowing into Bharat, directly benefitting Tamil Nadu and its people. Tamil Nadu is emerging as a prominent ambassador for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Dear family members, Our government adheres to the principle of national development through state development. In the past year, over 40 different ministers from the Central Government have collectively visited Tamil Nadu over 400 times. Rapid development in Tamil Nadu will, in turn, propel the overall progress of Bharat. Connectivity plays a crucial role in development, fostering trade, business, and convenience for the public. This spirit of development is evident in Tiruchirappalli today. The new terminal at Trichy International Airport, tripling its capacity, will enhance connectivity with East Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the country and the world. This will create new investment opportunities and businesses in vast adjacent areas, benefitting sectors like education, health, and tourism. Besides increasing the airport’s capacity, the elevated road linking it to the National Highway will also provide significant convenience. I am pleased to note that Trichy Airport will showcase local art, culture, and Tamil traditions to the world. Dear family members, Five new projects, aimed at strengthening Tamil Nadu’s rail connectivity, are being launched today. These initiatives will not only ease travel and transportation but will also boost industry and electricity production in the region. The road projects that have been inaugurated today connect crucial locations like Srirangam, Chidambaram, Madurai, Rameswaram, and Vellore – significant centres of devotion, spirituality, and tourism. This will greatly benefit both the general public and pilgrims. Dear family members, Over the last decade, the Central Government has focused extensively on port development. We have made massive efforts in developing coastal infrastructure and transforming the lives of fishermen. A separate ministry and budget for fisheries have been created for the first time. The Kisan Credit Card facility has been extended to fishermen for the first time. The government has extended its support for the modernization of boats for deep-sea fishing. The PM Matsya Sampada Yojana is providing significant assistance to those in the fishery sector. Dear family members, Under the Sagarmala scheme, various ports in the country, including those in Tamil Nadu, are being connected by well-built roads. Due to the Central Government’s efforts, Bharat’s port capacity and ship turnaround time have notably improved. Kamarajar Port is among the fastest-developing ports in the country today. Our government has nearly doubled its capacity. The inauguration of General Cargo Berth-Two and Capital Dredging Phase-Five will enhance Tamil Nadu’s import-export capabilities, particularly benefitting the automobile sector. The nuclear reactor and gas pipelines will further boost industry and employment generation in Tamil Nadu. Dear family members, Presently, the Central Government is investing a record amount of funds for Tamil Nadu’s development. Our government has allocated Rs 120 lakh crore to the states in the last decade. Our government has provided 2.5 times more funds to Tamil Nadu than it received from the Central Government during the 10 years prior to 2014. In comparison to the past, our government has spent three times more on building National Highways in Tamil Nadu. Likewise, we are investing 2.5 times more in modernizing railways in Tamil Nadu compared to before 2014. Today, lakhs of poor families in Tamil Nadu receive free ration and healthcare from the Central Government. Our government has offered various amenities to the people here, including pucca houses, toilets, tap-water connections, and gas connections. Dear family members, The concerted efforts are essential to build a developed Bharat. I have unwavering faith in the potential of the people of Tamil Nadu and its youth. I can see the emergence of new ideas and enthusiasm among the youth of Tamil Nadu. This enthusiasm will be the driving force behind a developed Bharat. Congratulations to all of you once again for these development projects. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Vanakkam!