<span style="color: #222222;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs 3,023 crore in Puducherry.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi assured that the Central Government will provide all possible support for the development of the Union Territory.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for four- laning of NH 45-A covering Karaikal district at a cost of Rs 2,426 crore.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr Modi said, the Government has made several efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity to ensure that agricultural produce of farmers gets a good market. He said, government aims ensure production of farmers reaches good markets in a timely manner and good roads would aid in achieving that goal. He added the four laning of the road will also add momentum to the economic activity in this area and generate job opportunities for local youth.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">   </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for development of Minor Port at Puducherry at a cost of Rs 44 crore under Sagarmala Scheme. This project will give connectivity to Chennai and facilitate Cargo movement for industries in the Union Territory.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr Modi also inaugurated the Blood Centre at JIPMER in Puducherry. The Prime Minister said that healthcare would play a key role in the coming years.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 400 meters synthetic track at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at an estimated cost of Rs seven crore. Mr Modi said, it will nurture sporting talent among the youth of India.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Arjun Ram Meghwal were also present at the event.</span><br />''