Puducherry, Mar 1 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry, asserting that the union Territory is steadily progressing towards his vision of “BEST Puducherry” — focused on Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said he was “delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry” and noted that the wide-ranging projects launched on the occasion would enhance ease of living and accelerate economic growth in the region.

“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.

The Prime Minister inaugurated several key initiatives, including the launch of 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 major sewerage and water supply projects of the Government of Puducherry.

These projects are aimed at improving urban mobility, strengthening civic infrastructure and ensuring better service delivery through technology-driven governance.

In a major boost to higher education and research, 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,” the Prime Minister said. “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 and medical infrastructure also received a significant push. Modi inaugurated the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) 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 landmark development for industrial growth, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate. The estate will house a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, a state-of-the-art research and development centre of IIT Madras and advanced healthcare facilities of JIPMER, positioning the region as a hub for manufacturing, innovation and employment generation.

He also laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects, including water supply schemes to ensure clean and safe drinking water, construction of 41 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and power sector projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Projects for the development of Heritage Town in Puducherry and mangrove restoration under the MISHTI scheme were also launched, underlining a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious growth.

Further, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of projects spanning urban roads, drainage networks, public buildings, student hostels and sports facilities under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Notably, the union Government has approved the inclusion of Puducherry under the SASCI scheme, which was earlier limited to States, enabling the union Territory to undertake capital asset creation works aimed at improving public infrastructure and common utilities.

Officials said the comprehensive package of projects reflects a coordinated push to strengthen infrastructure, urban services, industrial development, education, healthcare and sustainable growth in the union Territory.

Reiterating his commitment to Puducherry’s progress, the Prime Minister said the Centre would continue to work closely with the local administration to unlock the region’s full potential.

“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,” he said.

. SKA ARN