Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched projects worth Rs 17,300 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and said the state’s ruling DMK enjoyed power in the UPA government in Delhi for years but only talked about the state and did nothing for its development.

Addressing a massive gathering, he said the truth is bitter but had to be shared with great regret. Coming down heavily on the UPA government, he said that the projects he is privileged to launch now are the longstanding demands of the Tamil people. Despite holding big portfolios in the UPA government, the DMK lacked the courage to push for their acceptance, he added.

The Prime Minister said, “This servant of yours has come to the land of Tamil Nadu today to write a new chapter in the state’s history.” Two years ago, he said, he had promised to make the Chidambaranar Port a major hub for shipping by starting projects to raise its cargo capacity. That guarantee had been fulfilled on Wednesday, he said.

Mr Modi said he had laid the foundation stone for the Outer Harbor Container Terminal needed for the VO Chidambaranar Port for a long time. He launched India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative and dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 states and Union Territories.

The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation rail projects for doubling the Vanchi Maniyachchi-Nagercoil rail line, including the Vanchi Maniyachchi-Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam-Aralvaymoli section. He launched four road projects in the state, completed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 crore.

“One can witness the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat in today’s development projects,” he said. Even though the projects may be in Thoothukudi, the Prime Minister said they will give momentum to development in multiple places across India.

The Prime Minister said the nation is today working to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Tamil Nadu will have its due place in Viksit Bharat (developed India).

He said the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port will receive an investment of Rs 7,000 crore. Projects worth Rs 900 crore have been dedicated today and foundation stones laid for projects worth Rs 2,500 crore at 13 ports simultaneously. These projects will benefit Tamil Nadu and create employment opportunities in the state, he said.

Talking about India’s first hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative, PM Modi called it a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi. He said that he had witnessed the enthusiasm and affection of the people of Tamil Nadu at the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

The Prime Minister inaugurated various projects aimed at making the VO Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production, and a bunkering facility. “Tamil Nadu will go a long way with regard to the alternatives that the world is exploring today,” he said.

Mr Modi said that the nation is today working with the ‘whole of government’ approach. Railways, highways and waterways may be different areas but all three aim at enhancing connectivity, providing more facilities and fostering better opportunities for industries. This multi-modal approach of connectivity will give a good push to the development of the state, he said.

The Prime Minister said the electrification and doubling of rail lines will further improve connectivity between South Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while also easing congestion in Tirunelveli and Nagercoil sectors.

In the last 10 years, 1,300 km of rail projects were undertaken in Tamil Nadu, while 2,000 km of railway electrification was achieved. Besides, numerous flyovers, underpasses, and upgrades of railway stations have been completed.

The Prime Minister recalled his suggestion to develop the prime lighthouses of the country as tourist destinations during an episode of Mann Ki Baat and expressed pride in dedicating tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 states and Union Territories today.

“Development at 75 places at once, this is new India,” PM Modi remarked, and expressed confidence that these 75 places will become huge tourist centres in the coming times.