PM Modi inaugurates development projects worth Rs 2,700 cr in Puducherry for region’s economic growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs 2,700 crore aimed at strengthening infrastructure, urban services, industrial development, education, healthcare and sustainable growth in Puducherry.

"When I came here earlier, I had given the mantra of BEST Puducherry. BEST means Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism. In the last four and a half years, this vision is bearing fruit. Puducherry has witnessed good governance and development," he said.

"These projects will transform the lives of the people of Puducherry," PM added.


Also read: PM Modi spotlights 'BEST Puducherry' push, cites visible gains

He launched several key initiatives, including the launch of e-Buses under the PM e-Bus Seva Initiative, the Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission, tenements for Economically Weaker Sections under City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) initiative, and important sewerage and water supply sector projects of the government.

The prime minister also inaugurated the Composite Engineering Block- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Block and Ganga Hostel of National Institute of Technology, Karaikal. He launched the modernization project of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER; and new annexe buildings, lecture halls and hostels of Pondicherry University.

He dedicated to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, which will house a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, research and development centre of IIT Madras and advanced healthcare facilities of JIPMER.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of water supply projects to improve drinking water systems and ensure clean and safe water for residents of the Puducherry region and construction of 41 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

Other projects include the development of Heritage Town in Puducherry, mangrove restoration under the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme, projects in water supply and sanitation sectors, and power sector projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), among others.

He also launched various projects covering major sectors like urban roads, drainage networks, public buildings, student hostels and sport facilities under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

The Centre has approved the inclusion of union territory Puducherry under SASCI scheme, which was originally limited to states alone, allowing for capital asset creation works to be taken up for improving infrastructure and common utilities meant for people’s use.

In his public address, PM Modi took aim at the Congress, and said that the party had become "a speedbreaker in the growth of Puducherry".

Years of Congress rule were marked by corruption, crime and suffering of the poor, PM Modi said in his address, adding that the double-engine NDA government will add more momentum to Puducherry's growth.

"Under the earlier Congress-DMK rule, the people of Puducherry faced immense hardships. Those years were marked by political instability, allegations of corruption, rising crime, and the neglect of the poor," he said.