PM Modi inaugurates Chennai Metro Phase II stretch built at Rs 4,900 crore
PM Modi inaugurates the Rs 4,900 crore Poonamallee-Vadapalani Chennai Metro stretch and multiple infrastructure projects across Tamil Nadu.
In a massive boost to urban mobility in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of the Chennai Metro Rail Project's Phase II. The newly opened segment, constructed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 4,900 crore, is set to transform commuting patterns in the state capital.
To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister took a ceremonial ride on the Chennai Metro, traveling from the Porur Bypass Station to the Poonamallee Bypass Station and back. The event was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, highlighting the significance of the project for the region's infrastructure.
Massive Infrastructure Push Across Tamil Nadu
The Metro inauguration is part of a much larger developmental blitz by the Prime Minister, who is overseeing a wide array of projects spanning roads, railways, ports, and scientific research. The Prime Minister is also set to lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate several National Highway projects valued at roughly Rs 3,700 crore, aimed at reducing travel time and easing congestion.
Key highway developments include:
- NH-744: The inauguration of the 36-km, four-laned Vadugapatti-Therkuvenganallur section, which will link vital pilgrimage and industrial hubs.
- Madurai Ring Road: The opening of the 30-km, four-laned section of NH-744A to streamline traffic around Madurai city.
- Thiruvarur Bypass: Laying the foundation for a four-lane bypass on the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83 to provide smoother transit around the town.
Railway and Port Upgrades
The Prime Minister's visit also includes a significant focus on the railway and maritime sectors. Projects worth over Rs 750 crore in the railway sector are being dedicated to the nation, including the Karaikal-Peralam line and three vital rail flyovers in the Coimbatore region designed to improve road safety and reduce waiting times at level crossings.
Furthermore, five stations—Palani, Vellore Cantonment, Ambasamudram, Paramakkudi, and Namakkal—are being inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme following extensive redevelopment.
In the maritime sector, major upgrades are coming to Tamil Nadu's ports:
- Chennai Port: Four new projects including a paved storage yard, EXIM godowns, an upgraded cruise terminal, and a Seafarers Club.
- VO Chidambaranar Port: Eight major development projects aimed at expanding container capacity and transitioning to cleaner maritime energy.
- Kamarajar Port: The inauguration of the Coal Berth-3 project and commencement of dredging works for the Container Terminal.
Advancements in Energy and Science
The Prime Minister is also set to lay the foundation for the Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks (LOBS) project at the Manali Refinery of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL). This Rs 1,620 crore project is designed to bolster India's capacity to produce premium-quality lubricants locally.
In a significant moment for the scientific community, the Prime Minister will dedicate the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras to the nation. This facility will launch a pioneering global mission to map over 100 human brains into high-resolution three-dimensional atlases, spanning the entire human lifespan from the foetal stage to old age.