Madurai, March 01: During his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the famous Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple in Madurai on Sunday and offered prayers to Lord Murugan. Tight security arrangements were made in the temple premises, Thiruparankundram hill and surrounding areas for the Prime Minister’s arrival.
The Prime Minister has reached Tamil Nadu to participate in various government programmes and a public meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state. He started his visit by inaugurating welfare schemes organised in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The Prime Minister then attended a grand ceremony at Madurai Airport, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth approximately ₹4,400 crore aimed at strengthening Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and transportation network.
Among the key projects for which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone was the four-lane National Highway project between Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram, to be built at a cost of ₹1,853 crore. The Marakkanam-Puducherry four-lane road project was also launched, which will boost regional connectivity and trade activities.
Taking significant steps in the railway sector, the Prime Minister launched the Amrit Bharat train services between Rameswaram and Bengaluru and Tambaram and Mangaluru. Eight upgraded railway stations in the state were also inaugurated and the fourth railway line, constructed between Chennai Beach and Egmore, was dedicated to the nation.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indian Railways has undergone unprecedented transformation in the last ten years. He stated that the budget allocation for Tamil Nadu’s railway projects has been increased ninefold, and nearly 1,300 kilometers of new rail lines have been laid in the state over the past decade, boosting transportation and economic activity.
The Prime Minister noted that Tamil Nadu is renowned worldwide for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. He announced the development of Adichanallur as a world-class cultural center. He also highlighted plans to promote eco-tourism around Pulicat Lake and the Podhigai Hills, which will increase local employment opportunities.
He also noted that the Central Government has invested significantly in the development of Tamil Nadu’s national highway network over the past 15 years.
After concluding his engagements, the Prime Minister visited the Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple, where he performed special prayers, praying for the nation’s prosperity, peace, and the welfare of its citizens.
This visit of the Prime Minister is being seen as giving a new direction to the expansion of infrastructure, improvement of rail and road connectivity and tourism development in Tamil Nadu