Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for several new schemes during his visit to the nation on Thursday and dedicated several completed projects to the nation. In his address, Chief Minister M K Stalin sought a raise in funding for the state and outlined that Tamil Nadu's growth is unique as it is based not only on economic parameters but on the Dravidian model'' of inclusive growth.
The Prime Minister dedicated 5 projects worth over Rs 2,960 crore to the nation in the presence of Governor R N Ravi, Union Minister L Murugan and Chief Minister M K Stalin. The programme also saw 1,152 houses built as part of the Light House Project-Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 116 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban.
Chief Minister M K Stalin said such infrastructure projects are important for the growth of Tamil Nadu and the state is already a pioneer in the country across a number of sectors. Stalin said that the growth trajectory of Tamil Nadu is unique as it is not only about economic growth but it is about inclusive growth driven by social justice and equality, which is the 'Dravidian model'. Stalin demanded that the Central government increase funding for the Tamil Nadu projects, as it emphasised on cooperative federalism.
As part of the scheme, allotments of houses were given to some beneficiaries on the occasion by the dignitaries. The foundation stone was laid by the prime minister of 6 projects, worth over 28,000 crore. The 262 km long Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway would be built at a cost of over 14,870 crore. It would pass through the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and would help reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai by 2 -- 3 hours.
The 4 lane double-decker elevated road connecting Chennai Port to Maduravoyal NH 4 of about 21 km would be built at a cost of over 5,850 crore, ensuring round-the-clock movement of cargo vehicles to Chennai port. The 94 km long 4 lane Neraluru to Dharmapuri section of NH-844 and 31 km long 2 lane with the paved shoulders of Meensurutti to Chidambaram section of NH 227 would provide seamless connectivity in the region, at a cost of around 3870 crore and Rs 720 crore respectively.
The foundation stone of a Multi Modal Logistic Park in Chennai was laid by the PM, which is estimated to be worth around 1430 crore. It would provide a seamless intermodal freight movement and also have multiple functionalities. In a couplet from the Tamil classic Tirukkural, Union Minister L Murugan hailed Modi as a leader who has fulfilled his assurances perfectly in sync with the promises made. The BJP of Tamil Nadu gave a rousing reception to Modi, who is on his maiden visit to the state after the ruling DMK took office in May 2021.
BJP supporters praised Modi by raising slogans like 'Modi ji Vaazhga, Long Live Modi and DMK cadres welcomed Chief Minister M K Stalin by showering praise on him and raising slogans like 'Thanga Thalapathi Vaazhga'Vaazhga' Long live our commander with a golden heart.