Modi Inaugurates Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, Pledges Central Support for Tamil Nadu's Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II. This marked a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development. In a major government event, Modi shared the dais with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for the first time, pledging Central support to help Tamil Nadu reach new heights.

Modi reflected on his past interactions with successive state governments. They noted that despite changing chief ministers, his resolve for Tamil Nadu's development and the service of its people remained unwavering. Throughout my tenure as Gujarat chief minister and Prime Minister, I have consistently prioritized the development of Tamil Nadu, he said.

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Today, with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, we are embarking on a new journey of growth and progress for the state.

Chief Minister Vijay sought Central approval for a series of infrastructure projects, including Metro, highway, and high-speed rail initiatives. He also welcomed the announcement of high-speed rail corridors connecting Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, as outlined in the 2026 Union Budget. Furthermore, Vijay reiterated Tamil Nadu's request for extensions of the Chennai-Kanyakumari and Coimbatore corridors.

The projects include the six-laning of the Chengalpattu-Trichy section of GST Road. As well as stretches connecting Trichy, Panchapur, Jayamkondam, and Karur, and the Karur-Coimbatore route. Additionally, an elevated corridor from Madhavaram to Sholavaram is also part of the plan.

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Chief Minister Vijay also sought the Centre to prioritize the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking proposal as a national project. He requested that the Centre act on Tamil Nadu's request to use Tamil as the principal language in proceedings of the Madras High Court.

Furthermore, Vijay sought the release of Rs 510 crore, which, he said. was due to Tamil Nadu from the Central share of funds, without any conditionalities.