Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu during his visit to Thoothukudi on July 26, 2025. The new terminal and extended runway at Thoothukudi airport were among the key developments. Built in Chettinad-style, the terminal spans 17,340 square meters and is equipped with 21 check-in counters, 3 aerobridges, and facilities to accommodate up to 1,400 passengers per hour. The runway, now extended to 3,115 meters, includes night landing capabilities to support larger aircraft like the A320 and A321.
New Berth at VOC Port to Boost Trade and Jobs
PM Modi also inaugurated a 306-meter-long north cargo berth at the VOC Port in Thoothukudi, constructed at a cost of ₹285 crore. The berth, with a draft of 14.2 meters, can accommodate large cargo vessels carrying materials like coal, copper concentrate, limestone, and gypsum. The facility is expected to generate 300 direct and 500 indirect jobs.
Improved Road Connectivity
Key road projects included the completion of a 50 km four-lane stretch between Sethiyathoppu and Chozhapuram, built at a cost of ₹2,357 crore. Additionally, the road connecting VOC Port has been widened from four to six lanes with an investment of ₹200 crore, aimed at easing the movement of heavy cargo trucks.
Railway Projects Dedicated to the Nation
Several completed railway projects were formally dedicated to the nation. These include the double tracking of sections in Nagercoil and Tirunelveli, and the electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur railway section. These rail upgrades were completed with a combined outlay of ₹1,032 crore.
Power Transmission Project at Kudankulam
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for a ₹548 crore interstate transmission system to evacuate 2,000 MW of electricity from the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant’s upcoming reactors (VVER 3 and 4), which are being developed with Russian collaboration.
