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PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu Visit: ₹4,800 Crore Projects and Chola Commemoration in Tuticorin and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

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Published on: 27 Jul 2025
PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu Visit: ₹4,800 Crore Projects and Chola Commemoration in Tuticorin and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Key Highlights

  • PM to inaugurate projects worth over ₹4,800 crore in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
  • Focus on airport, highways, port cargo, nuclear energy transmission, and rail connectivity
  • Celebration of 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s maritime expedition at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • Release of a commemorative coin and participation in Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival

July 26: PM in Tuticorin

After returning from the UK and Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) on July 26 evening to unveil critical infrastructure projects designed to enhance:

  • Regional air connectivity
  • Clean energy transmission
  • Port logistics
  • Road and rail transport

Development Projects Overview

Total Investment: ₹4,800+ crore
Sectors: Aviation, Highways, Railways, Ports, Power, Cultural Heritage

Tuticorin Airport – New Terminal Inauguration

  • Cost: ₹450 crore
  • Area: 17,340 sq. m
  • Passenger Capacity:
    • 1,350 peak-hour passengers now
    • Expandable to 1,800 peak-hour
    • 20–25 lakh annual footfall
  • Features: GRIHA-4 compliant, 100% LED lighting, STP reuse system
  • Impact: Enhances air connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu and boosts tourism, business

Major Road Infrastructure Projects

1. Sethiyathope–Cholapuram NH-36 (50 km)

  • Cost: ₹2,350 crore+
  • Key Works:
    • 3 bypasses
    • 1-km bridge over Kollidam River
    • 4 major bridges
    • 7 flyovers
  • Impact: Reduces travel time by 45 minutes; supports Delta region connectivity

2. Tuticorin Port NH-138 Expansion (5.16 km)

  • Cost: ₹200 crore
  • Scope: 6-laning, bridges, underpasses
  • Purpose: Supports port cargo movement and industrial corridors

Port Development – VOC Port Berth Inauguration

  • Project: North Cargo Berth–III at V.O. Chidambaranar Port
  • Cost: ₹285 crore
  • Capacity: 6.96 MMTPA
  • Use: Enhances dry bulk cargo handling, improves port efficiency

Rail Projects for South TN

  • Madurai–Bodinayakkanur Electrification: 90 km
  • Nagercoil Town–Kanniyakumari Doubling: 21 km
  • Aralvaymozhi–Nagercoil & Tirunelveli–Melappalayam Doubling: 16.5 km combined
  • Cost: ₹650 crore
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces travel time
    • Boosts eco-friendly mobility
    • Strengthens Kerala–Tamil Nadu rail links
    • Enhances passenger and freight capacity

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Transmission Project

  • Project: Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for Kudankulam Units 3 & 4 (2×1000 MW)
  • Cost: ₹550 crore
  • Line: 400 kV (quad) D/C transmission line to Tuticorin-II GIS substation
  • Impact: Strengthens national grid and clean energy access in TN and other states

July 27: PM at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

The Prime Minister will visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram at 12 noon on July 27 for a historic cultural celebration.

Celebration Highlights

  • Occasion: 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s maritime expedition to Southeast Asia
  • Event: Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival
  • Activity: Release of a commemorative coin
  • Location: Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, Ariyalur District

Rajendra Chola I – Historical Significance

  • Reign: 1014–1044 CE
  • Legacy:
    • Founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram as capital
    • Expanded Indian influence across South and Southeast Asia
    • Constructed UNESCO-recognized Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
  • Festival Importance: His birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), aligns with Aadi month, making this a spiritually and culturally important celebration

Summary Table

SectorProject / ActivityCost
AviationTuticorin Airport New Terminal₹450 crore
RoadwaysNH-36 and NH-138 expansions₹2,550 crore+
PortsVOC Port North Cargo Berth–III₹285 crore
RailwaysElectrification and doubling projects (multiple segments)₹650 crore
EnergyKudankulam ISTS (nuclear power evacuation project)₹550 crore
Culture & HeritageChola 1000-year celebration, coin release, temple commemorationNational Pride

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s two-day Tamil Nadu visit showcases a unique blend of economic infrastructure development and civilizational heritage revival. From airport terminals to sacred temples, this itinerary reflects the government’s commitment to modernization with cultural continuity, spotlighting regional pride and national progress in equal measure.

Source: PIB Press Release – 25 July 2025

India | Tamilnadu
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Quick Info

What is the purpose of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Tuticorin on July 26, 2025?
Prime Minister Modi is visiting Tuticorin to inaugurate infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,800 crore, including developments in aviation, roadways, ports, railways, nuclear energy transmission, and to participate in a cultural celebration honoring Rajendra Chola I.
What major infrastructure sectors are covered in the ₹4,800 crore investment?
The investment spans aviation, highways, railways, ports, nuclear energy transmission, and cultural heritage, aiming to boost connectivity, clean energy access, logistics, and regional pride.
What are the key features of the new terminal at Tuticorin Airport?
Built at a cost of ₹450 crore, the new terminal spans 17,340 sq. m and accommodates 1,350 passengers per hour, expandable to 1,800. It includes eco-friendly features like GRIHA-4 compliance, 100% LED lighting, and a sewage treatment reuse system.
How will the new airport terminal benefit Tamil Nadu?
The terminal enhances regional air connectivity, boosts tourism and business in southern Tamil Nadu, and increases the airport's annual capacity to handle 20–25 lakh passengers.
What is the cost and scope of the NH-36 road project from Sethiyathope to Cholapuram?
The NH-36 project costs over ₹2,350 crore and includes 50 km of road, 3 bypasses, a 1-km bridge over the Kollidam River, 4 major bridges, and 7 flyovers to improve Delta region connectivity.
How will the NH-36 project impact travel?
It will reduce travel time by approximately 45 minutes and significantly improve connectivity for the Delta region.
What is the NH-138 expansion project near Tuticorin Port?
Costing ₹200 crore, the NH-138 expansion includes 6-laning of 5.16 km with bridges and underpasses, aimed at streamlining cargo movement and supporting industrial corridors.
What is the North Cargo Berth–III project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port?
This ₹285 crore project increases the port's dry bulk cargo handling capacity by 6.96 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), enhancing port efficiency and trade capabilities.
What railway projects are being inaugurated in South Tamil Nadu?
Key projects include 90 km of electrification on the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur line, 21 km doubling on the Nagercoil Town–Kanniyakumari section, and 16.5 km doubling on the Aralvaymozhi–Nagercoil and Tirunelveli–Melappalayam lines.
How will the railway upgrades benefit the region?
They will reduce travel time, promote eco-friendly mobility, strengthen Kerala–Tamil Nadu rail links, and improve passenger and freight transport capacity.
What is the Kudankulam ISTS project?
The ₹550 crore Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) connects Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 & 4 to the national grid through a 400 kV double circuit line to Tuticorin-II GIS substation, enabling clean energy distribution.
How does the Kudankulam ISTS project contribute to energy infrastructure?
It strengthens the national grid, enhances interstate power transmission capacity, and supports clean energy access across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
What is being commemorated at Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27?
The Prime Minister will celebrate 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, release a commemorative coin, and participate in the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival.
Why is Rajendra Chola I historically significant?
He ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, expanded Indian influence across Asia, founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital, and built a UNESCO-recognized temple. His legacy reflects India’s maritime and cultural heritage.
What is the cultural importance of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival?
The festival honors Rajendra Chola I’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), during the Aadi month, making it a spiritually and culturally significant event in Tamil tradition.

In-Depth Answers

What will the Prime Minister do at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple?
He will participate in the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, release a commemorative coin, and mark the 1,000-year celebration of Rajendra Chola I’s maritime legacy.
What is the total investment value of the projects being launched in Tamil Nadu?
The total investment exceeds ₹4,800 crore, covering sectors like aviation, highways, ports, railways, energy, and cultural heritage.
What does the VOC Port North Cargo Berth–III aim to achieve?
It is designed to increase dry bulk cargo throughput and reduce logistical bottlenecks at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, enhancing regional trade efficiency.
Which districts will benefit directly from the railway electrification and doubling projects?
Districts including Madurai, Theni, Kanniyakumari, and Tirunelveli will benefit from faster and more efficient rail services.
What environmentally sustainable features are included in the new airport terminal?
The terminal includes GRIHA-4 certification, 100% LED lighting, and a sewage treatment plant (STP) reuse system to promote energy and water efficiency.
How is this visit a blend of economic and cultural priorities?
The visit emphasizes infrastructure growth (airports, roads, railways, ports) alongside cultural heritage revival (Chola commemorations), showcasing the government’s dual focus on modernization and tradition.
What strategic role does Tuticorin play in India’s infrastructure plan?
Tuticorin is a key hub for maritime trade, logistics, energy transmission, and regional air connectivity, making it vital for Tamil Nadu’s and India’s growth.
How does this initiative reflect national pride?
By celebrating Rajendra Chola I's global maritime legacy alongside unveiling modern infrastructure, the initiative reinforces pride in India’s historical and future achievements.
What is the expected footfall at the new Tuticorin Airport terminal?
The terminal is expected to handle 20 to 25 lakh passengers annually after expansion, significantly enhancing regional mobility.
What role does the commemorative coin play in the cultural celebration?
The coin marks 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s expedition, symbolizing national respect for historical achievements and promoting awareness of Tamil heritage.

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