PM Modi Releases Rajendra Chola I Coin, Unveils ₹4,800 Crore Projects in Tamil Nadu Visit

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Chennai: On Day 2 of his Tamil Nadu visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, where he released a commemorative coin in honour of Emperor Rajendra Chola I, one of India’s greatest monarchs.

The event marked 1,000 years of the Chola emperor’s legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the start of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel of the Chola dynasty.

Historic Tribute to Rajendra Chola I

Celebrating Chola-era heritage and India’s maritime history, PM Modi paid rich tributes to Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE), who expanded the Chola Empire across South and Southeast Asia. The commemorative coin release is seen as a major step in promoting India’s ancient cultural and historical contributions globally.

PM Shares Celebration Video on X

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi shared a video of his visit and wrote:

“Yesterday (July 26) was a very special day for the people of Thoothukudi!”

The clip highlighted key moments from the event, which included traditional performances and glimpses of the temple’s grandeur.

Inauguration of ₹4,800 Crore Development Projects in Thoothukudi

On Saturday, just after returning from a two-nation tour, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,800 crore at a public event in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin).

These projects span multiple sectors, including infrastructure, logistics, clean energy, and regional development, aligning with the Centre’s vision of boosting South India’s connectivity and economy.

New Tuticorin Airport Terminal Inaugurated

In a key move to strengthen regional air infrastructure, PM Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, built at a cost of around ₹450 crore. The modern terminal is designed to meet the rising aviation demands of Tamil Nadu’s southern districts.

The Prime Minister undertook a walkthrough of the facility, which showcases world-class design and improved passenger amenities.