Modi Pledges Centre’s Backing for Tamil Nadu’s Growth, Vows to Work Hand‑in‑Hand with CM Vijay

Chennai, Oct 11 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a high‑profile event in the southern capital to tell the crowd that the Centre is ready to walk side‑by‑side with Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister, C Joseph Vijay, on a slew of development ideas.

“Over the years I’ve had the chance to work with Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswami and M K Stalin,” Modi said, smiling. “Now it’s my turn to work with CM Vijay, and we’ll keep the momentum going for Tamil Nadu’s progress.”

Vijay, who just took office a few months ago, seized the moment to press for an early green‑light on Phase‑3 of the Chennai Metro Rail. The proposed extension would push the line beyond the current terminus, linking the airport to Kilambakkam and stretching further to Poonamallee‑Sunguvarchatram – a move he says could ease congestion and spur growth in the outskirts.

But the metro isn’t the only item on the agenda. Vijay also floated the idea of an interstate rail corridor that would tie the industrial hub of Hosur in Tamil Nadu to Bommasandra in Karnataka, a link he believes could boost trade between the two states.

He didn’t stop there. The chief minister urged a fresh look at the pending metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, arguing that both cities deserve a modern rapid‑transit system to keep up with their expanding populations.

Modi, while unveiling a package of infrastructure works worth more than Rs 13,000 crore, thanked Vijay for the warm reception and for allowing the Prime Minister to inaugurate the Chennai Metro Phase‑2 stretch from Poonamallee to Vadapalani. He also laid a foundation stone for several other state projects, signaling a continued federal commitment to southern development.

“Development of the nation is my mantra,” Modi reiterated, adding that the central government’s role is to complement state initiatives, not replace them. The two leaders concluded the ceremony with a brief exchange of ideas, hinting at more joint ventures in the coming months.