PM Modi’s Rs 2,700-crore push for Puducherry infra, welfare

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the Congress, accusing it of obstructing Puducherry’s growth. The PM also announced and launched development projects worth Rs 2,700 crore across the Union Territory. Addressing a public event, he said past Congress-led administrations had slowed progress, alleging that governance during those years was marked by instability, corruption, crime and hardship for poorer sections.

He also took a swipe at the Congress leadership, claiming the party had treated Puducherry as a financial resource for a Delhi-based political family. Referring to the Congress’ alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Modi said both parties had collectively hindered the region’s development trajectory and questioned whether residents would want a return to what he described as an era of misgovernance. He expressed confidence that voters would reject such a possibility.

The PM said the current NDA government had brought stability and faster development, and urged people to recognise the contrast with earlier governments. He maintained that the “double-engine” model had ensured better delivery and momentum in infrastructure and welfare measures in Puducherry.

Earlier, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects spanning infrastructure, urban services, industrial growth, education, healthcare and sustainability, with a combined outlay of Rs 2,700 crore. He noted that Puducherry had been included in the Centre’s special assistance scheme for capital investment, which is otherwise meant for states, and said the move would support the creation of improved public infrastructure, including better roads.

Focusing on social sectors, Modi said healthcare must be accessible and affordable for all, adding that the Ayushman Bharat initiative was already extending such benefits to crores of families nationwide. He also highlighted investments in education, including a new engineering block named after APJ Abdul Kalam at NIT, Karaikal, and upgraded hostel facilities, aimed at strengthening technical training for students. Infrastructure improvements at Pondicherry University were also cited.

Recalling his earlier vision of “BEST Puducherry”, referring to business, education, spirituality and tourism, Modi said the region had seen tangible progress over the past four and a half years. He said both the Centre and the local government would continue working towards the goal of a developed Puducherry as part of the broader vision for India by 2047.