‘Governments kept changing, my resolve to help Tamil Nadu unbroken’: PM Modi shares dais with Vijay

The event was notable because Vijay and Modi appeared together publicly for the first time at a major government function. Their joint appearance signalled cooperation on Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and development agenda. Modi called the day historic and promised complete Central support for the state’s progress.

The Prime Minister and Chief Minister jointly flagged off Chennai Metro Phase II’s first operational stretch. They travelled together from Porur Bypass to Poonamallee and back, alongside Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Vijay then presented requests covering Metro expansion, highways, high-speed rail, water management, language policy and pending funds.

The meeting also carried political and administrative significance. Modi recalled working with several earlier Tamil Nadu chief ministers, while saying his commitment to the state had remained unchanged. Vijay stressed that strong states make a strong India and sought cooperation to help Tamil Nadu become a 1.5-trillion-dollar economy by 2036.

Chennai Metro Rail Phase II is an expansion of the city’s Metro network beyond the 54 kilometres already operating under Phase I. The project is intended to improve urban travel and extend rapid transit to more parts of Chennai. At the event, the first completed section of Phase II was formally opened.

Modi, Vijay and Governor Rajendra Arlekar flagged off a train on the 14.64-kilometre Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section. They travelled from Porur Bypass to Poonamallee and returned. Passenger operations on the new stretch began later that Sunday, turning the inauguration into a service launch for commuters.

The rest of Phase II was still under construction. Vijay also sought approval for about 65 kilometres of Phase III routes, including Airport–Kilambakkam, Poonamallee–Sriperumbudur or Sunguvarchatram, and Koyambedu–Pattabiram. He requested reconsideration of Metro proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai.

The new Chennai section covers 14.64 kilometres between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani. Its opening adds operational capacity to a city system that already had 54 kilometres running under Phase I. The stretch matters because it brings Metro travel to more commuters and supports Chennai’s wider Phase II expansion.

The figures also show a national transformation. Modi said India’s Metro network measured around 250 kilometres in 2014. By the time of the event, it had grown to more than 1,100 kilometres. This is an increase of more than 850 kilometres, based on the figures given in the article.

Metro services now operate in 25 Indian cities, compared with five in 2014. The growth reflects a broad push toward urban rail. In Chennai, the new section is already carrying passengers, while additional Phase II construction and proposed Phase III routes point to further expansion.

The infrastructure programme combines Metro, highway and other transport projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore. Its central purpose is practical: reduce travel difficulties, improve connections and support economic activity. Better transport can help workers, students and families move more easily, while businesses gain stronger links to markets and suppliers.

The new Metro stretch provides a concrete example. Passenger service between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani gives commuters another public transport route. Modi said Chennai’s expansion was meant to help ordinary people, working families, students and senior citizens. The wider project list also includes highways and proposed high-speed rail connections.

The expected effects extend beyond commuting. Modi said the projects would strengthen industry and trade and create jobs for young people across Tamil Nadu. Vijay linked infrastructure with a goal of becoming a 1.5-trillion-dollar economy by 2036. He also said growth should reach every district, not only Chennai.

Vijay asked the Centre to approve about 65 kilometres of Chennai Metro Phase III. The proposed routes cover Airport–Kilambakkam, Poonamallee–Sriperumbudur or Sunguvarchatram, and Koyambedu–Pattabiram. He also sought reconsideration of Metro proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, plus an interstate Metro linking Hosur with Bengaluru.

For rail and roads, Vijay welcomed high-speed rail corridors connecting Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. He repeated Tamil Nadu’s requests to extend them from Chennai to Kanyakumari and Coimbatore. Highway requests included six-laning GST Road between Chengalpattu and Trichy, several regional connections, the Karur–Coimbatore route and a Madhavaram–Sholavaram elevated corridor.

He also asked the Centre to prioritise the Godavari–Cauvery river-linking proposal as a national project. He requested Tamil as the principal language in Madras High Court proceedings and sought Rs 510 crore from the Central share without conditionalities.

India’s Metro system has changed in both reach and physical size. In 2014, Metro services operated in only five cities. By the time of Modi’s speech, they operated in 25 cities. That means the number of cities with Metro service had increased fivefold over the period described.

The network’s route length grew just as sharply. Modi said it expanded from around 250 kilometres in 2014 to more than 1,100 kilometres. The increase represents more than 850 additional kilometres using the article’s rounded figures. This growth has made Metro a much more visible part of urban transport across the country.

Chennai’s Phase II opening fits this national pattern. The new 14.64-kilometre section began passenger operations on Sunday, while further construction continued. Modi presented the expansion as a way to help ordinary people, working families, students and senior citizens travel more easily.

Infrastructure planning in India is shared between the Union government and state governments. States identify local needs, prepare proposals and seek approvals or financial support. The Union government can approve projects involving national infrastructure, provide funds and coordinate projects that cross state boundaries. The article illustrates this cooperative model rather than giving a complete legal division of powers.

Tamil Nadu’s role is clear from Vijay’s requests. He proposed Metro routes, highway upgrades, high-speed rail extensions, a river-linking project and language-related action. He also asked for Rs 510 crore from the Central share. Modi represented the Union government and promised complete support, while inaugurating projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore.

The model depends on coordination. Local and state governments understand regional travel and development needs, while the Centre handles national funding, approvals and wider networks. The article shows this process continuing: Chennai’s new Metro section is operating, Phase II remains under construction, and several additional proposals await Central action.