NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded that the next 25 years are to make India a developed nation. He was speaking at Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu as part of his South India tour while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 19,850 crore development projects. Development will be happening in aviation, rail, road, oil and gas, shipping and higher education sectors.

'Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal' will play a crucial role in making India a developed nation. Tamil Nadu is a reflection of India's prosperity and culture. The Prime Minister said that Tamil Nadu is becoming the main brand ambassador of Make in India. The Prime Minister condoled the flood disaster and said that the Central Government is there for the people of Tamil Nadu. Late actor Vijaykanth and scientist MS Swaminathan were also remembered.

Inaugurating the new terminal building at the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, the Prime Minister presented various projects related to the rail-road-oil-gas-shipping trade sectors of Tamil Nadu to the nation. Gas projects include GAIL's Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore second gas pipeline. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin received the Prime Minister at Tiruchirappalli Airport. Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, L Murugan and others also participated in the public ceremony.

Development in neglected Lakshadweep

The Prime Minister said in a public meeting at Agatti in Lakshadweep that the central government is implementing a definite development mission in Lakshadweep, which has been neglected for a long time after independence. Despite shipping being the lifeblood of the island, there is no port infrastructure. Education and health sectors are also backward. The Prime Minister said that many development projects have come up in Agatti in 10 years and modern facilities are being prepared for the fishermen. A solar power plant and an aviation fuel depot are being inaugurated for power and energy needs. Drinking water will be supplied through pipes to all houses. He will leave for Kerala tomorrow after performing the foundation stone laying and inauguration of various projects in Kavaratti.