Modi Stresses TN's Manufacturing Prowess, Assures Support for State’s Growth

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing prowess, saying the Union government would extend all necessary assistance to help the State progress and eradicate unemployment.

Addressing a gathering at K.V. Ground, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, where he inaugurated passenger services and laid the foundation stones for new projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore, Modi said Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing sector, local industries and workforce were benefiting from Central government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local”.

“We want to see Tamil Nadu make progress and ensure that unemployment is permanently eradicated. For this, whatever support is needed from the Central government, we stand firmly with you,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of cooperative federalism, Modi said his experience of working with successive Tamil Nadu chief ministers had strengthened his commitment to the State’s development, irrespective of political changes.

Recalling his interactions with former chief ministers M. Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M. K. Stalin, he said changes in government had not altered his commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development and the welfare of its people.

“Governments change, but Tamil Nadu’s development and service to its people have always remained steadfast,” he said, adding that he would continue working with the State government to advance its development agenda.

Referring to his 25 years in public service as the head of a government, Modi said the experience had strengthened his belief in two pillars of democracy — people and cooperative federalism. Having taken oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001, he said he had since been given opportunities to serve as Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

He said he had always pursued national development by placing the development of States at its foundation, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the Centre and State governments.

Emphasising the link between infrastructure development and industrial growth, Modi said a strong manufacturing ecosystem required good road connectivity, railways and ports to facilitate the movement of raw materials. Such investments would generate employment across sectors, from cement, steel and equipment manufacturing to small businesses, while improved connectivity would help industries and services expand further.

He highlighted the potential of port-led development to strengthen India’s position as a global hub. The country’s seafood exports had reached new highs in both quantity and value last year, he said, adding that the growth had benefited fishing families and coastal communities.

The Prime Minister said the projects being launched would create employment opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s youth and contribute to the State’s economic growth. He called for collective efforts to transform Tamil Nadu into a developed State and, in turn, contribute to the development of the country.

Highlighting urban transport as a key component of development, Modi said urbanisation should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Efficient public transport, he said, would improve the quality of life by making daily travel easier for residents, students and senior citizens.

He noted that metro rail services, which were available in five cities in 2014, were now operational in 25 cities. The country’s metro network had expanded from around 250 km in 2014 to more than 1,100 km, he said.

The expansion of Chennai Metro would further improve urban connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters, he added.

Modi referred to his visit to the Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai earlier in the day, saying research in the sector could open up new opportunities for the leather industry.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing, with the Centre’s Rs 1,620-crore Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks project at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited’s Manali refinery set to support the production of premium-quality lubricants in India.

Modi said manufacturing growth, backed by investments in roads, railways and ports, would create employment opportunities across industries, from steel and cement to equipment manufacturing and smaller businesses. He reiterated that the Centre would extend the necessary support to Tamil Nadu’s development and industrial expansion.

Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna awardees Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh on their birth anniversary, recalling their contributions to national service and public life.