Sun Apr 06 18:48:33 UTC 2025: ## Modi Inaugurates New Pamban Rail Bridge, Rebuts DMK’s Funding Claims
**Rameswaram, April 7, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban rail bridge in Rameswaram on Sunday, using the occasion to address criticisms leveled by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party regarding central government funding for Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a public meeting alongside Tamil Nadu Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and R.S. Rajakannappan, Modi highlighted a significant increase in central funding for railway projects in the state. He stated that while Tamil Nadu received only ₹900 crore annually before 2014, the current budgetary allocation exceeds ₹6,000 crore. This funding supports the redevelopment of 77 railway stations and substantial investments in rural roads, highways, and modern public transport.
The Prime Minister further emphasized the Centre’s substantial contributions to housing schemes, crop insurance (PM-KISAN), and the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, claiming these initiatives benefit millions in Tamil Nadu. He also touted the government’s efforts in assisting fishermen, citing the repatriation of 3,100 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy over the past decade and the intervention in several capital punishment cases.
Modi also announced the sanctioning of 11 new government medical colleges for Tamil Nadu, urging the state government to adopt Tamil as the medium of instruction in medical courses. His speech directly countered the DMK’s accusations of insufficient funding, portraying the central government’s allocation as a significant investment aimed at improving the lives of Tamil Nadu’s citizens.
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