Modi signals cooperation with Vijay, opens Chennai Metro stretch; projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore launched

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pledged to work with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for the state's development, saying his commitment to Tamil Nadu and its people would remain unchanged despite changes in government. He was speaking after inaugurating the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II, built at a cost of Rs 4,900 crore, and launching development initiatives worth more than Rs 13,000 crore.

Modi said his tenure as a chief minister had helped him understand the expectations of state governments. He recalled having opportunities to interact with former Tamil Nadu chief ministers M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa during that period, and said he had also worked with Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M. K. Stalin as prime minister. Governments may change, but the determination to support Tamil Nadu's development and serve its people would remain firm, Modi said. Referring to his 25 years as head of a government, Modi said his faith in the people and in federalism had grown stronger. He added that he would continue the development journey alongside Vijay, describing development as his guiding principle and saying the projects would improve connectivity, strengthen industrial activity and create employment opportunities for young people.

Modi and Vijay travel by Metro

Modi arrived at Chennai airport on Sunday morning and was received by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. After inaugurating the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of the metro network, Modi and Vijay travelled together from Porur Bypass station to Poonamallee Bypass station and back, purchasing their tickets by scanning a QR code and making the payment.

Modi also inaugurated a 36-km four-lane highway section between Vadugapatti and Therkuvenganallur on National Highway 744 and a 30-km section of the Madurai Ring Road on National Highway 744A. He laid the foundation stone for the four-lane Tiruvarur bypass on National Highway 83, along the Nagapattinam–Thanjavur section. Railway infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 750 crore were also inaugurated, including projects involving the Karaikal–Peralam railway line, rail flyovers in the Coimbatore region and Amrit stations. The Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras was also dedicated.

Modi visits Jalakandeswarar Temple

Modi visited the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Chennai and said in a post on X that he had prayed for the happiness, health and prosperity of the people of the country. He also expressed the hope that Lord Shiva's blessings would always guide them.

Vijay seeks review of Metro Rail proposals

Chief Minister Vijay urged the Centre to reconsider proposals for metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai. He also sought approval for an interstate metro rail corridor connecting Hosur in Tamil Nadu with Bommasandra in Karnataka.