PM Modi pledges Tamil Nadu support as CM Vijay seeks metro expansion and funds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pledged to continue advancing Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and economic growth, emphasizing that his commitment to the state remained steadfast regardless of political transitions in governance. Speaking at an event in Chennai, the Prime Minister launched multiple development works valued at upwards of ₹13,000 crore, spanning highways, railways, port modernization, and petroleum sectors.

The visit featured the joint inauguration of the 14.64-kilometre Poonamallee-Vadapalani section of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, built at an approximate cost of ₹4,900 crore. Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off the new services and travelled together on the inaugural train alongside Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, inspecting the elevated corridor designed to ease congestion between western suburbs and the city centre.

During the public proceedings, Chief Minister Vijay presented a series of administrative demands to the central leadership. He sought formal approval for Phase III of the Chennai Metro network, reconsideration of proposed metro systems for Coimbatore and Madurai, and the prompt release of ₹5,110 crore pending under the Samagra Shiksha scheme without conditional restrictions.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi noted that his interactions with successive state administrations over decades demonstrated an unbroken resolve toward regional progress. He recalled working with prior state leaders across different political affiliations and stated that his administration would extend full cooperation to ensure Tamil Nadu reaches new economic milestones.

Highlighting the broader economic strategy, the Prime Minister stated that strengthening individual states forms the foundation of national development. He pointed to manufacturing initiatives such as Make in India as drivers of employment generation for young professionals, noting that industrial expansion in the state contributes directly to national productivity goals.

In addition to the metro line launch, the itinerary included participation in a school golden jubilee celebration, a review of research facilities at IIT Madras, and prayers at the Jalakanteshwarar Temple. The newly opened metro corridor features 11 elevated stations and a 3.7-kilometre double-decker structure, with regular passenger services scheduled to open to the public.