Chennai/UNI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a slew of projects in the southern Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu that would give a major fillip to industrial development in the state.

Modi, who arrived in Thoothukudi from Madurai by a helicopter, unveiled 36 infrastructure projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore of investment in the event organized jointly by the Ministries of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways; Road Transport; and Highways and Railways.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and L.Murugan, State Minister E V Velu, and local DMK Lok Sabha MP Ms Kanimozhi, whose name was missing in the earlier invite and included later, were present on the occasion.

He inaugurated various projects, including laying the foundation stone for the outer harbour container terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port, a desalination plant, hydrogen production and bunkering facility, turning VOC Port into a first green hydrogen hub in the country.

Modi also commissioned the country's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under Harit Nauka initiative, a pioneering step for embracing clean energy solutions and aligning with the nation’s net-zero commitments and also dedicated tourist facilities at 75 light houses across ten coastal states and union territories during the programme.

He also dedicated the Vanchi Maniyachi-Nagercoil double line and Melapalayam-Aralvaimozhi section to the nation and major road projects including the Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section, Meensurutti-Chidambaram, Oddanchatram-Madathukulam and Nagapattinam-Thanjavur sections, developed at a cost of Rs 4586 crores aimed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance socio-economic growth.

A Southern Railway release said Mr Modi launched the 86 km Rs 1,477 crore doubling project involving Vanchi Maniyachchi-Tirunelveli and Melappalayam-Aralvaymoli (total 86 Kms.) benefiting the state of Tamil Nadu.

The doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli and Melapalayam – Aralvaimoli sections spanning 86 kms will be a boon to the people of Tamil Nadu. The project is spread across the districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari.

The project will pave the way for better operational efficiency in the highly saturated Tirunelveli – Nagercoil sector and considerably reduce travelling time between Chennai – Nagercoil, Chennai – Kanyakumari and other towns in Southern Tamil Nadu.

Acting as a catalyst in enhancing connectivity in the important trunk route between Madurai and Kanyakumari, the project will facilitate seamless operation of passenger and freight services.

It will also provide scope for the introduction of more passenger trains, to meet the ever increasing demand besides paving way for seamless operation of premium trains like Vande Bharat.

The section would offer a reliable, faster and cheaper mode of transport.

The improved connectivity will boost local trade and industries thereby creating employment opportunities in the region.

After the event in Tuticorin Port, the Prime Minister will head to Tirunelveli where he will address a public meeting before leaving for Maharashtra.