Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on March 1, 2026, where he will launch and lay the foundation for several major development projects focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and public services. The visit follows his engagements in Rajasthan and Gujarat. He is expected to arrive in Chennai on the night of February 28 at around 9 PM.
Major Development Projects in Puducherry
At around 11:45 AM on March 1, the Prime Minister will attend an official event in Puducherry to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for projects valued at over ₹2,700 crore. He will also address the public during the programme.
The projects are designed to strengthen infrastructure, urban services, industrial growth, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in the region.
Urban Transport and Smart City Initiatives
Key initiatives include the launch of electric buses under the PM e-Bus Seva scheme and the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission. Housing units for economically weaker sections under the CITIIS initiative and major water supply and sewerage projects will also be inaugurated.
Education and Healthcare Infrastructure
The Prime Minister will open several institutional facilities, including:
- The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Composite Engineering Block and Ganga Hostel at National Institute of Technology Karaikal
- Modernised facilities at the Regional Cancer Centre of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
- New academic buildings, lecture halls, and hostels at Pondicherry University
These developments aim to improve higher education and healthcare services in the union territory.
Industrial Growth and Employment Boost
A major highlight of the visit will be the dedication of the 750-acre Karasur–Sedarapet Industrial Estate. The facility will include a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, a research and development centre linked to Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and advanced healthcare services supported by JIPMER. The project is expected to generate employment and accelerate industrial expansion.
Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
The Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for drinking water supply systems, 41 rural roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, heritage town development works, mangrove restoration under the MISHTI scheme, sanitation projects, and power sector upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Additionally, several urban infrastructure works covering roads, drainage networks, public buildings, hostels, and sports facilities will be launched under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, which has been extended to Puducherry.
Infrastructure Push in Madurai
Following the Puducherry programme, the Prime Minister will travel to Madurai, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹4,400 crore at around 3 PM. These initiatives focus on improving connectivity, mobility, and regional economic development. He will also address a public gathering.
Later, at about 4 PM, he will offer prayers at the Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple.
National Highway Projects to Improve Connectivity
Key road infrastructure projects include the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram section of NH-87.
The Marakkanam–Puducherry corridor is expected to cut travel time from about one hour to roughly 30 minutes, reduce urban congestion, and improve access to major destinations such as Mahabalipuram, Kalpakkam, and Auroville. It will also strengthen connectivity between coastal villages and the Viluppuram district headquarters.
Similarly, the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram project will improve access to major pilgrimage centres like Madurai, Rameswaram, and Dhanushkodi, reducing travel time by around 40 percent. The corridor will also enhance connectivity with railway stations, airports, and ports in the region while supporting economic clusters such as fishing hubs, textile units, and food processing zones under the PM Gati Shakti framework.
Rail Infrastructure and Station Redevelopment
The Prime Minister will inaugurate multiple railway projects aimed at improving passenger convenience and operational efficiency. Eight railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will be inaugurated, featuring modern amenities, improved accessibility, upgraded platforms, and facilities designed for Divyangjan passengers.
He will also dedicate the Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth rail line, which is expected to improve suburban rail services and benefit thousands of daily commuters, including office workers, students, and traders.
Expansion of Public Broadcasting Services
To strengthen radio broadcasting in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister will inaugurate three new Akashvani FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud, and Vellore. These facilities are expected to expand coverage and ensure uninterrupted public broadcasting services across several districts.
