New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched several development projects in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on a day-long visit to the three states on Sunday.

At Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the 1.33 million metric ton capacity Visakhapatnam Strategic Petroleum Reserve facility.

He also inaugurated Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited’s Vashishta and S1 development project located in the Krishna-Godavari Offshore Basin. Foundation stone was also laid for setting up of a new terminal of BPCL at Krishnapatnam.

Addressing a gathering in Guntur, Mr Modi said the project is not only important for Andhra Pradesh but for the entire nation to meet its energy needs. He said, these projects will create huge job opportunities.

Slamming the Opposition, the Prime Minister said, parties which left the people to live in smoke, are now spreading smoke of lies. He also criticised Chief Minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, saying he has made a U-turn on promises of development by not using central funds in an appropriate way.

At Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, Mr Modi commissioned the 10-km stretch of the Chennai Metro rail through video-conferencing. The stretch connects DMS and Washermanpet and also completes the 45-km long Metro rail first phase in the state capital.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 100-bedded ESIC hospital, besides inaugurating a 470-bedded modern ESIC hospital in Chennai. He also launched the modernisation and expansion works of Chennai and Trichy airport terminals.

The Bharat Petroleum and Chennai Petroleum, bpcl’s Ennore Coastal Terminal and the new crude oil pipeline from Chennai Port to its refinery at Manali in north Chennai were also commissioned by the Prime Minister.

Addressing a BJP rally at Tiruppur, Mr Modi termed creation of two defence corridors, one of which is in Tamil Nadu, as a path-breaking step. He said, the corridor in the state will bring industry and investment opportunities for the youth.

The Prime Minister lashed out at the Congress, saying it ignored the nation’s security during its tenure and was associated with several scams in the defence sector. He asserted that the NDA government has a different approach to national security. Mr Modi said, it is the country’s dream to be self-sufficient in defence production and ensure that the forces have all possible support they require in keeping the nation safe.

At Hubli in Karnataka, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Indian Institute of Technology – Dharwad and Indian Institute of Information Technology – Dharwad. City Gas Distribution Project at Dharwad was also unveiled.

Mr Modi also dedicated to the nation SPR facilities in Mangalore and Padur. The work for doubling of the Chikjajur-Mayakonda railway line was also inaugurated by the Prime Minister.