‘BEST Puducherry’ vision gains momentum with large-scale infrastructure and welfare projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹2,700 crore in Puducherry, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, mobility and tourism.

Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister described Puducherry as a land of Siddhars, saints, poets and freedom fighters, recalling the contributions of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. He reiterated his vision of “BEST Puducherry” Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism , stating that coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Union Territory administration have led to improved governance, a rise in per capita income and Puducherry achieving the highest Social Progress Index score in the country.

Highlighting the Union government’s emphasis on infrastructure, Mr. Modi said a record ₹12 lakh crore has been allocated for capital expenditure this year. Puducherry has been included under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, enabling higher funding for roads, water supply, schools, hospitals and coastal infrastructure.

On education and youth empowerment, he said the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and hostel facilities at NIT Karaikal, along with upgraded infrastructure at Pondicherry University, would strengthen higher education. He also welcomed the filling of long-pending government vacancies.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of clean mobility, announcing electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. Housing projects, desalination plants, new sewage treatment facilities and flood mitigation works across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam were highlighted as measures to improve the “Ease of Living”.

Healthcare remained a major focus, with Mr. Modi stating that Puducherry has the potential to become a medical tourism hub . He cited the modernization of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER, the laying of foundation stones for three Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM, and the upcoming Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal.

On connectivity, projects worth over ₹1,000 crore, including a ₹440-crore flyover, were announced to decongest Puducherry town. Upgrades to the East Coast Road and Grand Southern Trunk Road are expected to reduce travel time to Chennai to under two hours, while investments of over ₹30,000 crore in the East Coast Corridor will link Puducherry with major economic hubs.

Tourism was identified as a key strength, with investments in spiritual, eco and health tourism, including activities linked to Auroville . Concluding, Mr. Modi said Puducherry would play an important role in achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047 , reaffirming the commitment to “BEST Puducherry.”