Greetings to all the people of Tamil Nadu.

It gives me great pleasure on this auspicious occasion of inauguration of the redesigned and expanded Terminal at Anna International Airport. Today Chennai further consolidates its position on the aviation map of India and this part of Asia.

I am particularly happy because this airport bears the name of the late Anna Durai, a towering leader of Tamil Nadu. He was a man of grassroots who soared to greatness through his selfless work among the common people. He was a great patriot and an inspiring symbol of Tamilian pride.

I cherish my association with him. We were together in the Rajya Sabha. Indeed, I dedicated the book containing Tamil translation of my poems to the memory of my friend Anna Durai.

Commissioning of this new Terminal would go a long way in meeting the demand for better facilities for international passengers. It will also enhance the handling capacity at the Airport. I congratulate the Airports Authority of India for their good work.

Civil Aviation plays not only an important but a high profile role in the development of a nation. Modern facilities of air travel – both passenger and cargo – contribute to the rapid economic growth of the state or the region in which they are located. Airports are gateways to the nation. Nearly hundred per cent of foreign tourists and 40 per cent of international cargo passes through our airports.

Therefore, rapid expansion and modernization of India's aviation infrastructure in general, and airports in particular, is a priority for our Government. In the past few years, we have improved facilities at many airports in the country, including those in the North-East. Last month, I laid the foundation stone for modernizing the airport in Srinagar.

It is our resolve to create world-class air travel infrastructure in India, keeping pace with developments in International Civil Aviation. Therefore, we are taking necessary steps to meet the fast-growing needs of air travel in our big cities. The Centre has always proactively supported proposals and plans in this regard, and shall continue to do so in the future. Recently, the Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for amendment to the Airports Authority of India Act. This would pave the way for development of airports of international standards in India with private participation.

The importance of safety and security in aviation has increased considerably in recent years. India has stood the test of time in this regard. The services of Indian experts in the field of security have been sought by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Many other countries in the world have also drawn from our expertise in this area.

It gives me special pleasure to note that the southern states occupy a place of pride in the development of civil aviation infrastructure in the country. Today's event is yet another proof of this. I am confident that the Chennai airport will further promote movement of international cargo and give a boost to international travel and trade from Tamil Nadu and other southern States.

Friends,

Tamil Nadu has a long and proud history of establishing trade, commercial and cultural linkages with countries near and far. Tamilians, with their legendary seafaring tradition, sailed to distant shores in centuries past. In particular, they made a major contribution to India's age-old relations with countries of South-East Asia. We highly value our rapidly expanding and mutually beneficial cooperation with this region, which we consider our extended neighbourhood.

In my travels to countries in this region, I have visited majestic temples built by the great Tamil kings of the past. I have met many enterprising Tamilians, who have earned a name for themselves in their respective countries.

What I have seen and heard makes me recall here the inspiring lines from Mahakavi Bharatiyar:

Chinam, Mishiram,Yavanarakam, ennum desam

Palavum pugal veesi kalai gnanam

Padai tholil vaanibamum

miga nanru valartha Tamil Nadu

It means – ~Tamil Nadu is famous for the rich development of art, wisdom and knowledge. It is also famous for commerce with China, South-East Asia, Europe and other countries.~

That tradition not only continues, but has grown a hundred fold since the time of the great poet. With this expanded terminal of the Chennai International Airport, it will grow even further.

In recent years, we have heralded a Connectivity Revolution in the country. The National Highway Development Project is rapidly changing the quality, coverage and capacity of our highways infrastructure. The National Rail Vikas Yojana is doing the same to our railway infrastructure. Last month I inaugurated work on the North-South corridor of this mega project in Srinagar. I also laid the foundation stone for the start of work on an important rail link project.

This way, we will further strengthen the physical connectivity between Kashmir and Kanyakumari – and between Saurashtra and Silchar. It will also further strengthen the bonds of national unity and national integration.

In addition to these projects, we have also launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which seeks to connect all the unconnected villages in our country. The number of such villages is a staggering 1,60,000. But we are determined to complete this project by 2007.

I have mentioned these things just to drive home the point that India is on the move. Indeed, India is rapidly on the move. We will improve our infrastructure in a comprehensive manner – and soon. This will give a big boost to the growth of our agriculture, industry and services. New employment, self-employment and business opportunities will be created. Indeed, all these are already happening. But the process will gain in speed in the years ahead.

So let us march ahead with self-confidence. Let us work harder. Let us work with a stronger sense of purpose and with greater mutual cooperation.

Once again, I express my happiness to be with you on this important occasion.

Thank you.

Nandri!~