PM hands over Arjun tank to Army, launches many projects in TN

During his one day visit to Tamil Nadu, prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Army in Chennai. The tank has been indigenously designed and developed, and manufactured by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, DRDO along with 15 academic institutions, eight labs and several MSMEs.  Modi inaugurated the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I extension, completed at a cost of Rs 3,770 crores. This 9.05 km long extension will link North Chennai with the Airport and Central Railway. PM Modi inaugurates the fourth Railway line between Chennai Beach and Attipattu. This 22.1 km section, laid at a cost of Rs 293.40 crores, traverses through Chennai and Thiruvallur Districts.
Addressing a gathering PM Modi paid rich tributes to Pulwama martyrs in Chennai. "No Indian can forget this day. Two years ago, the Pulwama attack happened. We pay homage to all the martyrs we lost in that attack. We are proud of our security forces. Their bravery will continue to inspire generations,ha said.Talking about the two defence corridors in Tamil Nadu, he said the state is the leading automobile manufacturer in the country. The indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank will used to protect the borders of India which will show Bharat Ekta Darshan, he said.

He appreciated the farmers of Tamil Nadu for record food grain production and good use of water resources. We have to do whatever we can do to conserve water. Always remember the mantra of 'Per drop, more crop. Modi said that Chennai is full of energy and enthusiasm. It is a city of knowledge and creativity. From here, we begin key infrastructure projects. These projects are symbols of innovation and indigenous development. These projects will help further growth of Tamil Nadu,Prime Minister said the Central government has accepted the long standing demand of the Devendra Kula Vellalarscommunity to be called by with their heritage name and removed from the scheduled cast list in the constitution. The Centre has passed the draft to amend their name in the constitution. This decision is about dignity and identity, he said.