Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of key infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, with a combined outlay of ₹4,900 crore, during a high-profile visit to Thoothukudi. The launch included a new terminal at Thoothukudi airport, a cargo berth at VOC Port, railway electrification projects, and major highway upgrades.
New Thoothukudi Airport Terminal
The centrepiece of the visit was the inauguration of a brand-new 17,340 sq. m terminal at Thoothukudi airport. Built in the elegant Chettinad-style architecture, the terminal aims to handle 20 lakh passengers annually over the next decade. The upgraded facility now supports 1,400 passengers per hour, a massive leap from the previous capacity of just 156.
Enhancements include a runway extension from 1,350 to 3,115 meters with night landing capabilities for A320 and A321 aircraft. The terminal boasts 21 check-in counters, 7 baggage scanners, 3 aerobridges, isolation areas, mother-care rooms, and fire safety units. These additions make the airport future-ready and globally connected.
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated a 306-meter-long North Cargo Berth at VOC Port. Built at a cost of ₹285 crore, this berth has a 14.20-metre draft and can handle large vessels carrying bulk goods like coal, limestone, copper concentrate, gypsum, and rock phosphate.
The port expansion is expected to generate 300 direct and 500 indirect jobs. Currently, VOC Port handles containers, fertilizer, edible oil, timber, and wind turbine blades. The new berth will enhance its efficiency and attract more international cargo traffic.
Major Road Infrastructure Upgrades
To facilitate smoother cargo and passenger movement, PM Modi inaugurated a 50-km, 4-lane highway from Sethiyathoppu to Chozhapuram, built at a cost of ₹2,357 crore. Additionally, the 4-lane road connecting VOC Port to key junctions was widened to a 6-lane highway at an added cost of ₹200 crore.
These roads are designed to handle heavy truck traffic carrying containers, coal, and industrial materials, ensuring smoother logistics and trade connectivity across the state and beyond.
Electrification of Railway Lines
The PM also inaugurated railway electrification projects worth ₹1,032 crore. These include the double railway tracks in sections such as Nagercoil Town – Junction – Kanniyakumari, Aralvaimozhi – Nagercoil Junction, and Tirunelveli – Melapalayam.
The long-awaited Madurai–Bodi electrification project, undertaken after converting the line to broad gauge, was also declared complete. These upgrades are expected to reduce travel time, improve energy efficiency, and bolster regional connectivity.
Power Transmission Boost from Kudankulam
During the event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a crucial ₹548 crore interstate transmission project. This system will evacuate 2,000 MW of nuclear power generated by the upcoming Kudankulam VVER reactors 3 and 4, being developed with Russian assistance.
This move aligns with India’s push towards cleaner, high-capacity energy sources, especially nuclear, to power industrial growth while reducing carbon emissions.
Government’s Development Vision
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that these projects represent the government’s commitment to inclusive development across southern India. He reiterated his vision of turning Tamil Nadu into a logistics, energy, and transport hub of South Asia.
He stated, “These are not just infrastructure projects. They are enablers of prosperity for every youth, entrepreneur, and farmer in Tamil Nadu.”
Security and Coordination
Tight security arrangements were in place in Thoothukudi, Tiruchi, and Ariyalur districts during the Prime Minister’s visit. Multiple agencies coordinated to ensure the smooth execution of all ceremonies and public interactions.
Conclusion: A Transformational Day for Tamil Nadu
July 26, 2025, will be remembered as a transformative day for Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure landscape. From sky to sea, from rail to road, the state is now better prepared to meet growing industrial and tourism demands.
The Prime Minister’s announcement of future investment and power projects underlines the Centre’s active push to uplift the region. With multi-sectoral development now underway, Tamil Nadu is poised to emerge as a top-tier growth engine in India’s journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy.