Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry. The projects cover infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, mobility and tourism. The initiative is aimed at improving ease of living, strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth in the Union Territory.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Puducherry has been brought under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, which will support roads, water supply, schools and hospitals. Major connectivity works worth over Rs 1,000 crore are planned to ease congestion in Puducherry town. These include a new flyover estimated at Rs 440 crore. Upgrades on the East Coast Road and Grand Southern Trunk Road are expected to reduce travel time between Puducherry and Chennai to under two hours. The East Coast Corridor project will further link the region with Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore.
Education and Youth Development
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and hostel facilities at NIT Karaikal. Infrastructure improvements have also been completed at Pondicherry University, including lecture halls and hostels. He noted that long-pending government vacancies in Puducherry have been filled through direct recruitment, creating new opportunities for youth in public service.
Healthcare and Medical Tourism
Healthcare projects include the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER to expand treatment capacity. Three Critical Care Blocks are being set up under the PM-ABHIM scheme in Puducherry and Karaikal. A new Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal will support Siddha and holistic healthcare. The Prime Minister also said Puducherry has the potential to emerge as a medical tourism hub, supported by its network of medical colleges.
Urban Mobility, Housing and Tourism
Electric buses have been introduced under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme to promote cleaner mobility. Housing projects, desalination plants, sewage treatment plants and flood-mitigation works have also been launched across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Tourism remains a major focus, with investments in spiritual, eco and health tourism, including pilgrimage facilities under the PRASHAD scheme and the Global Spiritual Mahotsav in Auroville.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026