Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a momentous occasion by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for a series of transformative rail and road projects worth approximately $1 billion in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The event coincided with the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami and underscored the government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and honoring India’s cultural heritage.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted the successful completion of the Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Constructed with cutting-edge technology at a cost of over $84 million, the 2.08-kilometer-long bridge features 99 spans and a state-of-the-art vertical lift mechanism, which rises to allow the passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations. The bridge is designed with dual railway tracks to accommodate future demands, offering enhanced connectivity to the historic town of Rameswaram. The engineering marvel not only integrates technology with tradition but also supports ease of doing business and ease of travel, benefitting countless residents and tourists.
Modi emphasized the positive impact of these projects, particularly in enhancing trade, tourism, and employment opportunities. The newly flagged-off train service connecting Rameswaram to Chennai is expected to further improve regional connectivity and economic activity, creating new business prospects for local youth.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated road infrastructure projects, including the four-laning of strategic highway sections across Tamil Nadu, with a combined investment exceeding $965 million. These roadways are pivotal for connecting pilgrimage sites, ports, and other critical facilities, promising far-reaching benefits for farmers, industries, and local traders.
Reflecting on the government’s achievements, Modi noted the significant increase in infrastructure development budgets since 2014, underscoring a nearly sixfold rise in allocations to critical sectors such as railways, roads, and airports. Tamil Nadu, a state of great cultural and historical significance, has played a vital role in India’s development trajectory, receiving substantial investments in recent years. The railway budget for Tamil Nadu has seen a dramatic increase from $110 million annually before 2014 to over $720 million in the current fiscal year. Key initiatives include the modernization of Rameswaram railway station and the construction of elevated corridors.
The government has also prioritized social infrastructure, with notable progress under flagship schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, which has enabled the construction of over 12 million pucca houses nationwide, including over 1.2 million in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, the Jal Jeevan Mission has brought piped drinking water to over 110 million families across India, including 11 million in Tamil Nadu.
Healthcare and education have witnessed remarkable strides, with Tamil Nadu benefiting from the establishment of 11 new medical colleges and enhanced access to affordable healthcare through schemes like Ayushman Bharat. The state has also excelled in fisheries development, receiving substantial support for modernizing facilities and ensuring the welfare of fishermen.
The Prime Minister celebrated Tamil Nadu’s growing recognition as a leader in the blue economy, attributing it to the government’s sustained investments and reforms. He reiterated the importance of preserving Tamil language and culture, ensuring their global reach and legacy.
As he concluded his address, Modi expressed optimism about Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. The projects inaugurated today symbolize a blend of modern engineering and cultural reverence, reinforcing the vision of a progressive and inclusive India.
