The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 44 billion (bn) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He said the package is aimed at transforming connectivity, boosting the economy and creating significant job opportunities for youth while improving the lives of hundreds of thousands. He said building high-quality infrastructure empowers people and helps farmers reach markets, eases travel for pilgrims and tourists and speeds business transport. He recalled that the Government has invested heavily in the state highway network, with more than 4,000 kilometres since 2014. He announced two national highway projects: the four-laning of Marakkanam–Puducherry with over Rs 21 bn and the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram four-laning with over Rs 18 bn. These projects will strengthen coastal tourism and trade and improve access to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. He highlighted a transformation of Indian Railways, saying allocations rose from an average of Rs 8.8 bn between 2009 and 2014 to Rs 76 bn for 2026–27. More than 1,300 kilometres of new tracks have been laid, 97 per cent electrification has been achieved and hundreds of flyovers and underpasses added. He noted nine Vande Bharat and nine Amrit Bharat trains serve the state, coaches are made at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, and 77 stations are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with eight redeveloped stations inaugurated. He said infrastructure funding for Tamil Nadu has tripled compared with the previous decade and the 2026 Union Budget places the state within Rare Earth Corridors to promote advanced manufacturing, research and technology. He announced plans to develop Adichanallur as a global heritage destination and promote ecotourism around Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai to create jobs while preserving ecosystems. He added that about 200 industrial clusters will be identified to boost manufacturing and benefit local youth, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to inclusive development and a developed Tamil Nadu for a developed India.