Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a significant visit to Tamil Nadu following his official trip to the UK and Maldives, arriving directly in Tuticorin on July 26 to launch and dedicate an array of development projects worth over ₹4800 crore. These projects span critical sectors including aviation, road and rail infrastructure, port development, and clean energy, with a strong emphasis on connectivity and sustainable growth.
At around 8 PM in Tuticorin, PM Modi will unveil these initiatives during a public event, underlining the government’s commitment to southern India’s infrastructure renaissance.
Modernizing Air Travel: Tuticorin Airport’s New Terminal Inauguration
As part of his focus on enhancing regional air connectivity, PM Modi will inaugurate the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, constructed at a cost of ₹450 crore. Spread across 17,340 sq. meters, the terminal is designed to accommodate 1,350 passengers during peak hours, scaling up to 25 lakh passengers annually.
This eco-conscious terminal includes 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and a GRIHA-4 rating, positioning it as a sustainable gateway for tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu.
Upgrading Road Infrastructure for Faster Connectivity
The Prime Minister will also dedicate two key national highway projects:
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Sethiyathope–Cholapuram NH-36 Stretch (50 km, ₹2350 crore)
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Features: 3 bypasses, 4 major bridges, 7 flyovers, a 1-km bridge over Kollidam River
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Benefit: Travel time reduced by 45 minutes, improved access to the Delta region
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6-Laning of NH-138 (5.16 km, ₹200 crore) – Tuticorin Port Road
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Infrastructure includes underpasses and bridges
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Impact: Enhances cargo flow, reduces logistics costs, and accelerates port-led growth
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Port Infrastructure & Clean Energy: New Berth and Power Projects
At V.O. Chidambaranar Port, PM Modi will inaugurate the North Cargo Berth-III, developed at a cost of ₹285 crore. With a handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA, it will support dry bulk cargo operations, elevating port efficiency.
Further, he will lay the foundation for a critical power transmission project—the ISTS for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Units 3 & 4), worth ₹550 crore. The project includes a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line, ensuring clean energy evacuation and strengthening the national grid.
Rail Projects to Boost Regional and Cross-State Connectivity
Three significant railway projects will also be dedicated to the nation:
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Electrification of Madurai–Bodinayakkanur Line (90 km) – Encourages eco-friendly, cost-efficient transport.
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Doubling of Nagercoil Town–Kanniyakumari Section (21 km, ₹650 crore) – Strengthens Kerala–Tamil Nadu rail connectivity.
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Doubling of Aralvaymozhi–Nagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and Tirunelveli–Melappalayam (3.6 km) – Reduces travel time and freight congestion on key southern routes.
Celebrating Chola Legacy: Honoring Rajendra Chola I
On July 27, PM Modi will participate in the birth anniversary celebration of Rajendra Chola I during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli at around 12 noon.
To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister will release a commemorative coin honoring the legendary emperor. This year also marks 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola’s iconic naval expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple—a UNESCO World Heritage marvel of Chola architecture and Shaiva devotion.
Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival & Tamil Shaiva Heritage
The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, deeply rooted in Tamil Shaiva Bhakti, is a sacred celebration of the 63 Nayanmars, the Shaiva saint-poets. The festival’s importance is amplified this year as it coincides with Rajendra Chola I’s Thiruvathirai nakshatra (birth star) on July 23, making it a deeply symbolic cultural event.
Conclusion: Strengthening Tamil Nadu’s Future with Heritage & Development
PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu visit reflects a strategic balance between infrastructure development and cultural preservation. From modern terminals and highway expansions to historic temple celebrations, this tour symbolizes India’s push toward becoming a future-ready nation that remains proudly anchored in its heritage.
