THE NEWS FREEDOM
THOOTHUKUDI(TAMIL NADU), FEBRUARY 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday, accusing the party of falsely claiming credit for initiatives spearheaded by the BJP-led Centre. “DMK is such a party which doesn’t do any work but goes ahead to take false credit. Who doesn’t know that these people put their stickers on our schemes? Now they have crossed the limit, they have pasted stickers of China to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu,” PM Modi at a public rally in Tirunelveli.
While addressing the gathering at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said that Tamil Nadu is writing a new chapter of progress in Thoothukudi as inauguration and foundation stones are being laid for multiple development projects towards the road map of developed India. He said that one can witness the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat in the development projects of today. Even though the projects may be in Thoothukudi, the Prime Minister emphasized that it will give momentum to development in multiple places across India. The Prime Minister reiterated the journey of Viksit Bharat and the role of Tamil Nadu in it. He recalled his visit 2 years ago when he flagged off many projects for the expansion of the Chidambaranar Port capacity and his promise of making it into a major hub of shipping. “That guarantee is being fulfilled today”, said the Prime Minister.
Speaking at inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development works in Thoothukudi.https://t.co/xthaafMBuW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2024
Talking about the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister informed that this project will have an investment of 7,000 crore rupees. Projects worth 900 crore rupees have been dedicated today and 2500 crore rupees worth projects were initiated on 13 ports. These projects will benefit Tamil Nadu and will create avenues of employment in the state, he said. The Prime Minister reminded that the development projects of today being brought by the present government are the people’s demands and the previous governments never paid any attention to them. “I have come to Tamil Nadu for the service of the land and to change its fate”, the Prime Minister said.
Talking about India’s first hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative, PM Modi called it a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi. He said that he witnessed the enthusiasm and affection of the people of Tamil Nadu in Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The Prime Minister inaugurated various other projects aimed at making the V.O.Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production, and a bunkering facility. “Tamil Nadu will go a long way with regard to the alternatives that the world is exploring today”, he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the rail and road development projects of today and said that the electrification and doubling of rail lines will further improve connectivity between South Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while also easing the congestion in Tirunelveli and Nagercoil sectors. He also mentioned the four major projects for the modernization of roadways in Tamil Nadu worth more than Rs 4,000 crores today, the Prime Minister said that it will give a boost to connectivity, reduce travel time, and encourage trade and tourism in the state.
Referring to the whole-of-government approach of New India, the Prime Minister said that roadways, highways and waterways departments are working to create better connectivity and better opportunities in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, railways, roads and maritime projects are being launched in tandem. The multi-modal approach will give new momentum to the development of the state, said the Prime Minister.