Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the Nation and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over 2,700 crore rupees in Puducherry today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that with investments in spiritual tourism, eco-tourism and health tourism, the government is taking Puducherry to greater heights. Highlighting Puducherry’s rise in per capita income and its achievement of the highest social index score in the country, he said the double-engine government will add further momentum to the Union Territory’s growth.
Reiterating the government’s priority to healthcare, the Prime Minister said medical services must be accessible, available and affordable to all. Referring to the presence of nine medical colleges, the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research , and the laying of foundation stones for new critical care blocks in Puducherry and Karaikal, he expressed confidence that the Union Territory can emerge as a major medical tourism hub.
Inaugurating projects worth 1,142.23 crore rupees, Mr. Modi said that across the country there is strong emphasis on building world-class infrastructure. He noted that 12 lakh crore rupees has been earmarked in this year’s Union Budget for infrastructure development. Improved roads, drinking water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools and hospitals, he said, will significantly enhance ease of living in Puducherry.
Hinting at the rollout of e-buses under the PM e-Bus Seva initiative, the Prime Minister said that in a tourism hub like Puducherry, electric buses can be a game changer in reducing pollution. Projects inaugurated included the Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission, tenements for the economically weaker sections under the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain initiative, and major sewerage and water supply projects of the Puducherry Government.
He also announced the development of the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate. Launching the composite engineering block of NIT Karaikal, the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER and new buildings of Pondicherry University, Mr. Modi said a strong and empowered youth forms the foundation of the nation’s growth, and the government is committed to realising that vision.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for 74 projects worth 1,571.73 crore rupees. These include the construction of 41 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, development of the Heritage Town under the Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, mangrove restoration under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes scheme, and power sector works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
He further stated that the inclusion of Puducherry under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme will facilitate better roads, drainage networks, public buildings, student hostels and sports facilities. Declaring open the Global Spirituality Mahotsav 2026 at Auroville, the Prime Minister said that Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa envisioned Auroville as a Universal City of Consciousness, and such gatherings would unite people across regions and religions.
Mr. Modi highlighted improvements in connectivity, including the East Coast Industrial Corridor project that will link parts of Puducherry to major economic hubs like Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore. Describing connectivity as the backbone of progress, he said rural and urban road and highway upgrade projects are benefiting students, farmers, workers and small businesses, while significantly boosting tourism, trade and industry.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister criticised the earlier Congress and DMK governments, describing them as ‘speed breakers’ in Puducherry’s development journey. He alleged that the previous regime was marked by political instability, corruption, crime and neglect of the poor. He further charged that Congress had treated Puducherry like an “ATM” for a family sitting in Delhi.
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Puducherry Legislative Assembly Speaker R. Selvam, Ministers, MPs, MLAs and other political leaders were present on the occasion. After the function in Puducherry, the Prime Minister left for Madurai to participate in various programmes.
