‘Good roads, railways and ports create jobs’: PM Modi’s case for integrated infrastructure

Good roads railways and ports create jobs throughout various economic sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated during his visit to Chennai on Sunday. Specifically, while unveiling development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore, the Prime Minister emphasized that robust physical connectivity forms the backbone of manufacturing. Furthermore, he highlighted that infrastructure construction generates widespread employment for engineers, technicians, and workers.

“Today, we are laying the foundation stone for an advanced lubricant base oil project. This will create new employment opportunities here and will also greatly help in reducing the country’s imports. To build a strong manufacturing sector, we need good roads. We need railways and ports for the transportation of raw materials. And when such infrastructure is built, it creates a large number of employment opportunities at different levels,” said PM Modi.

Integrated infrastructure powers manufacturing and industrial competitiveness

Addressing a major public gathering, PM Modi explained that modern manufacturing requires seamless logistics for raw material transport. Consequently, the central government continues upgrading national highways, railway networks, and port facilities across Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, enhanced transport links reduce turnaround times and help local industries reach global markets faster. Meanwhile, manufacturing growth has propelled India to become the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer.

“When construction takes place, engineers get work, technicians get work, workers get work, everyone gets employment. Employment opportunities are also created in factories connected with cement, steel, and equipment, as well as in smaller companies. And when a project is completed, improved connectivity helps industries and services move forward. That is why the rail and road projects being inaugurated and launched today are going to be extremely important for the progress of Tamil Nadu,” said the Prime Minister.

Transforming maritime logistics and regional transport hubs

Furthermore, the Prime Minister noted that port infrastructure is undergoing massive modernization to boost shipping efficiency. Specifically, the ₹17,000-crore upgrade of the VOC Port at Thoothukudi aims to establish a world-class green energy and container hub.