PM unveils Rs 2,700-crore development push in Puducherry, reaffirms ‘BEST’ vision for UT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a slew of development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry, underscoring that the Union Territory is moving steadily towards his vision of “BEST Puducherry” — centred on Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism.

Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said he was “delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry” and emphasised that the projects launched would significantly enhance ease of living while accelerating the region’s economic growth. “When I came here earlier, I had given the mantra of BEST Puducherry. BEST means Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism. In the last four and a half years, this vision is bearing fruit. Puducherry has witnessed good governance and development,” he said.

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Among the major initiatives inaugurated were e-buses under the PM e-Bus Seva Initiative, the Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission, housing tenements for Economically Weaker Sections under the CITIIS initiative, and key sewerage and water supply projects undertaken by the Puducherry government. These measures are aimed at modernising urban mobility, strengthening civic infrastructure and improving public service delivery through technology-driven governance.

Giving a strong thrust to higher education, Modi inaugurated the Composite Engineering Block — Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Block — and Ganga Hostel at the National Institute of Technology Karaikal. He also inaugurated new annexe buildings, lecture halls and hostels at Pondicherry University.

“A strong and empowered youth is the foundation of our growth. We are working to support their dreams,” he said, adding, “At NIT Karaikal, the new Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities will strengthen technical education for many students. Infrastructure upgrades at Pondicherry University will create better learning environments and research opportunities.”

Healthcare infrastructure also received a major boost. The Prime Minister inaugurated the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research and laid the foundation stone for three Critical Care Blocks under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

“We believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all. The Ayushman Bharat scheme is already fulfilling this vision for crores of families across India,” he said. “I strongly believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. Puducherry already has nine medical colleges. The modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER will further expand healthcare capacity.”

In a significant step towards boosting industrial growth and employment, Modi dedicated to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate. The integrated estate will host a Pharma Park, Textile Park and IT Park, along with a state-of-the-art research and development centre of IIT Madras and advanced healthcare facilities linked to JIPMER, positioning Puducherry as a hub for manufacturing and innovation.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects, including water supply schemes to ensure safe drinking water, construction of 41 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and power sector initiatives under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Projects focused on Heritage Town development and mangrove restoration under the MISHTI scheme were also launched, reflecting an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible growth.

Further, he laid the foundation stone for projects spanning urban roads, drainage networks, public buildings, student hostels and sports facilities under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme. With the Union Government approving Puducherry’s inclusion under this scheme — previously limited to states — the Union Territory will now be able to undertake key capital asset creation works to improve common infrastructure and public utilities.

Officials said the comprehensive package of projects signals a coordinated push to strengthen infrastructure, urban services, industry, education, healthcare and sustainability in Puducherry. Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment, the Prime Minister said, “These development works will enhance ease of living and boost economic growth. Together, we will build a BEST Puducherry that creates opportunities for youth, empowers the poor and becomes a model of holistic development.