PM Modi Unveils New Terminal at Tuticorin Airport, Launches Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport on March 16, 2024, as part of a broader initiative to enhance air travel infrastructure in southern India. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects valued at over Rs 4,900 crore, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and economic growth.

The new terminal at Tuticorin Airport, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore, is designed to meet the increasing aviation demands of the region. Spanning an area of 17,340 square meters, the facility can accommodate 1,350 passengers during peak hours and is projected to handle 2 million passengers annually. Plans for future expansion will allow the terminal to serve up to 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 2.5 million annually.

In addition to its capacity, the terminal boasts impressive sustainability features, including 100 percent LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems, and an on-site sewage treatment plant. These elements contribute to the terminal’s aim of achieving a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating, underscoring the government’s commitment to environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Infrastructure Investments to Boost Connectivity

During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of improved infrastructure for regional development. He dedicated two significant highway projects that will enhance connectivity in the area. The first project is the four-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,350 crore. This project includes three bypasses, a one-kilometer four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and multiple underpasses. It is expected to reduce travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope and Cholapuram, facilitating access to the cultural and agricultural hubs in the Delta region.

The second project involves the six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, which was built for approximately Rs 200 crore. This upgrade will improve cargo flow and reduce logistics costs, thus supporting port-led industrial growth around VO Chidambaranar Port.

These developments are set to significantly enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu. As infrastructure continues to improve, local communities are expected to benefit from increased economic activity and job creation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing the region’s growth.