PM Modi Launches ₹13,000 Crore Projects in Chennai, Spotlights VOC Port Mega Container Hub

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai on October 11, spanning metro rail, railways, roads and industry. Highlighting port-led growth, he pointed to the roughly ₹17,000 crore plan to turn Thoothukudi’s VOC Port into a world-class mega container and green energy hub capable of handling ultra-large container ships.

Article

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stones for, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai on Saturday, October 11, 2026, while underlining the government’s push to develop a VOC Port mega container hub in Thoothukudi as part of a wider upgrade of India’s maritime infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said the projects, a mix of completed works and new developments, would ease daily commuting, boost industry and trade and create jobs for the state’s youth.

What did the Prime Minister say about ports?

Modi said port infrastructure across India is being strengthened to take the shipping sector to new heights, with Tamil Nadu playing a central role. He cited a recent decision to invest about ₹17,000 crore to transform V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port into a world-class mega container and green energy hub that can accommodate ultra-large container vessels. “This will help Tamil Nadu become a global hub for industry and transport,” he said.

He added that ship turnaround times at Indian ports have been cut by half, helping Indian products reach global markets faster.

What is the VOC Port project?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs reportedly approved a ₹17,167 crore project at VOC Port last month to build a new outer harbour and expand container terminal capacity. About ₹11,733 crore is earmarked for works under the Hybrid Annuity Model, while ₹5,434 crore will fund container terminal construction on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer basis.

The project aims to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs, especially Colombo, which handles about 65% of containers from Thoothukudi. VOC Port currently accounts for around 7% of India’s container traffic.

VOC Port has also been positioning itself as a green energy hub. It became the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen through a pilot facility, and work is under way on a 750 cubic metre green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility linked to the proposed Kandla-Tuticorin green shipping corridor.

Which projects were launched?

Ahead of the visit, officials said the Prime Minister would open the 14.6-km Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch, the first section of Chennai Metro’s Phase II, and inaugurate Amrit Bharat stations at Palani, Paramakudi, Namakkal, Ambasamudram and Vellore Cantonment, along with ₹700 crore of rail projects in Coimbatore.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for an advanced lubricant base oil project, which he said would create jobs and help reduce India’s imports. He earlier visited the Brain Research Centre at IIT Madras.

What did he say about metro and manufacturing?

Modi said metro services have expanded from five cities in 2014 to 25 today, with the network growing from about 250 km to more than 1,100 km.

On manufacturing, he said India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker, with electronics exports up elevenfold since 2014, defence exports up fiftyfold and engineering exports at record levels. He stressed that strong manufacturing needs high-quality roads, railways and ports to move raw materials and finished goods efficiently.

What support was announced for fishermen?

The Prime Minister said thousands of crores have been approved for Tamil Nadu under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and other schemes to upgrade fishing harbours, build landing centres and improve cold chains. He cited the modernisation of Chennai Fishing Harbour, a seaweed park in the state and easier working capital for fishermen through Kisan Credit Cards, noting that India’s seafood exports hit record levels in both volume and value last year.

What is the wider significance?

The visit came as Modi marked 25 years as head of government. He said he would work with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to advance Tamil Nadu’s development, calling for a “Viksit Bharat” through a “Viksit Tamil Nadu.”

For the maritime sector, the focus on VOC Port signals the Centre’s intent to build domestic transshipment capacity on the east coast and capture cargo that currently moves through foreign hubs.

FAQs

How much were the projects launched in Chennai worth?

The projects launched by Prime Minister Modi on October 11, 2026, were worth over ₹13,000 crore.

What is planned for VOC Port in Thoothukudi?

The government plans to invest about ₹17,000 crore to develop VOC Port into a mega container and green energy hub with a new outer harbour for ultra-large container ships.

Why is the VOC Port expansion important?

It aims to cut reliance on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo, which handles about 65% of Thoothukudi’s containers.

Which Chennai Metro stretch was opened?

The 14.6-km Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch, the first section of Chennai Metro’s Phase II, was scheduled for inauguration.

What support did the PM mention for fishermen?

He cited PM Matsya Sampada Yojana funding, Chennai Fishing Harbour modernisation, a seaweed park and Kisan Credit Card access for fishermen.