In a significant push for economic growth in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the inauguration of a series of development projects in Tiruchirappalli, collectively valued at over Rs 20,000 crore. Unveiled on January 2, 2024, these initiatives span various sectors, including rail, road, oil and gas, and shipping, representing a substantial investment in the state's infrastructure.
Central to these developments is the newly constructed terminal at Tiruchirappalli International Airport. This modern facility, built with an investment exceeding Rs 1,100 crore, is designed to accommodate more than 44 lakh passengers annually and handle 3,500 passengers during peak hours, thanks to its two-level structure.
The Prime Minister has also laid the groundwork for significant road development projects. These include a crucial 31-km four-lane road connecting Mugaiyur to Marakkanam on NH-332A, improving connectivity to key locations such as Mamallapuram, a world heritage site, and the Kalpakkam Atomic Power Plant. Additionally, he dedicated five road projects to the nation, including the 39-km four-lane Trichy-Kallagam section of NH-81 and the 80 km two-lane Karaikudi-Ramanathapuram section of NH-536, vital for linking industrial and commercial hubs like Trichy and Srirangam.
Continuing the infrastructure enhancements, Modi initiated the development of a 323 km natural gas pipeline from Krishnagiri to Coimbatore, a part of the KKBMPL II project by GAIL. He also kickstarted the development of POL pipelines in Chennai's Vallur area and inaugurated the General Cargo Berth-II of Kamarajar Port.
In the railway sector, the Prime Minister dedicated the doubling of the 41.4 km Salem-Magnesite Junction-Omalur-Mettur Dam section and the 160 km Madurai-Tuticorin rail line section. Additionally, he flagged off three electrification projects for railway lines, contributing to the efficiency and reach of the rail network.