Amid Anti-Government Protests in India, PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹13,000 Crore in Chennai Alongside Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | October 11, 2026 | The Global Journal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects worth approximately ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. One of the key events during his visit was the inauguration of the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
According to an NDTV report, following the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister personally purchased a ticket at the ticket counter. He then travelled by metro from Poonamallee Bypass station to Porur Bypass station alongside the chief minister and the governor. During the journey, he exchanged greetings with passengers.
New Connectivity Under Chennai Metro Phase II
Built at a cost of approximately ₹4,900 crore, the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch features 11 elevated stations. One of the project's notable features is an elevated double-decker structure extending approximately 3.7 kilometres.
The opening of this new section is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai's western suburbs and other parts of the city. The expansion aims to reduce travel times, ease road congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.
Several Road Connectivity Projects
Alongside the metro expansion, the prime minister also inaugurated several road infrastructure projects. According to NDTV, these included a 36-kilometre stretch of National Highway 744 between Vaduhapatti and Therkuvenganallur, as well as the 30-kilometre Madurai Ring Road, with the projects reportedly costing around ₹3,700 crore.
The road projects aim to improve connectivity between key areas, reduce congestion and save time for passenger and freight transport. Improved road infrastructure could also support local trade, industry and tourism.
Investment in Railway and Research Infrastructure
Rail connectivity and research infrastructure also featured prominently during Modi's visit to Chennai. The prime minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for railway projects worth approximately ₹750 crore, including a railway flyover in Coimbatore.
He also inaugurated projects associated with the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras, along with other initiatives. These projects are intended to strengthen research, technology and scientific infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu's Development and Political Context
The prime minister's visit highlighted the central government's investment in Tamil Nadu's infrastructure, public transport and economic development. Projects involving metro rail, roads, railways and research facilities are intended to improve connectivity and support the state's development.
At the same time, reports of ongoing anti-government protests in the state have drawn attention to the wider political context. However, without reliable information about the causes and scale of the protests, as well as any direct connection to the inauguration events, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Overall, the metro, road, railway and research projects inaugurated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit represent a new phase of infrastructure investment in Tamil Nadu. The actual benefits will depend on how effectively the services operate and the extent to which commuters, residents and businesses benefit from them.
