Stronger States Build a Stronger Nation: PM Modi Highlights Cooperative Federalism at Tamil Nadu Projects Launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that stronger states are essential to building a stronger nation, highlighting cooperative federalism as he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 13,000 crore and laid the foundation stones for national highway projects in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a gathering attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Modi said the Centre and the state government were working with a shared commitment to the state’s development. Describing the occasion as historic, he said the projects would generate new employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

The programme began with the national anthem, followed by Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state anthem. The development initiatives covered key sectors, including highways, railways and ports. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for national highway projects worth approximately Rs 3,700 crore.

Extending Navratri greetings to the nation, Modi referred to his visit to the Jalakandeswarar Temple and said he had received the deity’s blessings in Tamil Nadu, which he described as a sacred land associated with Lord Shiva.

Reflecting on his 25 years in public leadership, the Prime Minister recalled his interactions with former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.

He said that after becoming Prime Minister, he had worked with Jayalalithaa, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M.K. Stalin. Modi added that the same determination guided his engagement with Chief Minister Vijay and reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Tamil Nadu.

Highlighting the opportunities presented by urbanisation, Modi spoke about the expansion of India’s Metro network. He said Metro services, which were available in five cities in 2014, had expanded to 25 cities, while the network had grown from 250 km to 1,100 km.

According to the Prime Minister, this expansion had made commuting easier and improved access to public transport for millions of people.

Modi also called for greater support for locally manufactured products and said the Union government was taking measures to encourage Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing sector.

Drawing on his experience as a former Chief Minister, he said he understood the expectations of state governments and had worked to address their concerns. He added that citizens had developed greater confidence in cooperative federalism.

The Prime Minister stressed that development required comprehensive investment in infrastructure, extending beyond road construction to include improved transport systems. Better connectivity, he said, would make everyday life easier and support economic growth.

Expressing confidence that the newly launched projects would accelerate Tamil Nadu’s progress, Modi said the development of the state would contribute significantly to the broader national goal of building a developed India.