Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, October 11, reaffirmed his commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development, saying his resolve to work for the state would remain firm regardless of changes in government. Addressing a gathering in Chennai, Modi highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Centre and state governments in achieving economic growth and improving people’s lives. His remarks came during a visit to Tamil Nadu, where he inaugurated and launched development projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore across several sectors.

Modi said his experience as Gujarat chief minister had helped him understand the aspirations and expectations of state governments. He noted that, after becoming prime minister, he had continued to work towards fulfilling those aspirations through cooperation between the Centre and states. Referring to his 25 years in public office, Modi said the experience had strengthened his faith in the people of India and the principle of cooperative federalism, emphasising that the development of individual states contributes to the progress of the country as a whole.

The prime minister also underscored the importance of infrastructure development in supporting Tamil Nadu’s economy. The projects announced during his visit span metro rail, highways, railway infrastructure, ports, petroleum and education-related initiatives. According to the government, the investments are intended to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, strengthen industrial activity and create employment opportunities. Modi said improved infrastructure would help boost trade and commerce while supporting the state’s long-term development goals.

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Among the major projects inaugurated was the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project, built at a cost of approximately Rs 4,900 crore. The 14.6-kilometre corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai’s western suburbs and other parts of the city, reduce commuting time and ease pressure on road transport. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for national highway projects worth around Rs 3,700 crore, alongside railway and port infrastructure initiatives designed to improve transportation and logistics.

During his visit, Modi also participated in programmes at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School. The development announcements formed part of the Centre’s broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and economic activity in Tamil Nadu. Reiterating that political changes would not affect his commitment to the state, Modi said cooperation between different levels of government remained essential to delivering development and improving the welfare of its people.

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