Kickstarting Statewide Tour from Trichy, Vijay Attacks DMK, Promises Change
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay launched his much-anticipated statewide political tour in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, kickstarting what is being seen as his first major step toward the 2026 Assembly elections.
TVK chief, actor-politician Vijay's first poll campaign address lost in audio glitch
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay addressed a rally in Tiruchirappalli. Audio problems plagued his 20-minute speech. Supporters chanted his name amidst the unclear address. Vijay questioned the DMK government's unfulfilled promises from the 2021 election. He criticized the DMK regime regarding an illegal kidney sale racket. Vijay highlighted Tiruchirappalli's historical significance in Dravidian politics.
Fans cross safety limits to watch Vijay ahead of his TVK Tiruchirappalli rally
As soon as Vijay arrived at the Tiruchi airport for his TVK rally in Tiruchirapalli, he was greeted with a sea of fans who broke safety rules laid by the police and the party by climbing poles, trees, and even statues to get a glimpse of the actor
Actor-politician Vijay gets rousing reception ahead of start of poll campaign
Tamil Nadu: The founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, actor-politician Vijay, was accorded a rousing reception in Tiruchirappallion Saturday by his party workers and admirers just before the start of his campaign for the 2026 Assembly election. As soon as Vijay arrived at the airport here from Chennai by a chartered flight, enthusiastic TVK workers, carrying Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tiruchirappalli: Vijay Receives Warm Welcome Ahead of Poll Campaign
Enthusiastic TVK workers, carrying party flags, pushed away barricades on the airport premises at several spots to get a glimpse of their leader
TVK chief Vijay to kickstart 'I am coming' Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign
Actor-politician Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is set to launch his 'I am coming' state-wide campaign in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, aiming for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. He is expected to criticize the ruling DMK and BJP, using a custom-built campaign vehicle featuring iconic leaders and the slogan I am coming.
BIAL subsidiary opens OVetra lounge at Tiruchirappalli International Airport
PM Modi Attends Chola Emperors Birth Anniversary Event, Holds Massive Roadshow In Tamil Nadu
Ahead of the event, PM Modi held a roadshow in Tiruchirappalli, where thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of him and welcomed him with a shower of flower petals.
PM Modi holds massive roadshow in Tamil Nadus Tiruchirappalli; showered with flowers
Prime Minister Modi holds roadshow in Tiruchirappalli
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Tamil Nadu culminated in a roadshow in Tiruchirappalli and participation in the commemoration of 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition. He also marked the commencement of construction at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, releasing a commemorative coin honoring the emperor and paying tribute to Kargil war heroes during his visit.
PM Modi receives warm welcome from public in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome in Tiruchirappalli on Sunday, en route to Ariyalur district for an official event. A large gathering of party supporters and the public lined the roads, showering flower petals and waving at the Prime Minister's vehicle as he passed by.
PM Modi to visit TN, inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Tamil Nadu on July 26 to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate to the nation various development projects valued at over Rs 4,800 crore. PM Modi will be travelling to Tamil Nadu immediately after returning to India from his visit to the UK and Maldives. He will also participate in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival on 27 July at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. According to an official statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Friday, Prime Minister will directly arrive in Tuticorin and will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of landmark projects across multiple sectors. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore, and designed to meet the increasing aviation demands of the southern region. He will also undertake a walkthrough of the new terminal building. As per official sources, the terminal spans 17,340 square metres and is equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with a future expansion capacity of up to 1,800 peak hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. Featuring 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been constructed to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This modern facility is expected to enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu. In the road infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister will dedicate two strategically important highway projects to the nation. The first is the four-laning of the 50 km SethiyathopeCholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at over Rs 2,350 crore under the VikravandiThanjavur corridor. It includes three bypasses, a 1-km four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and several underpasses. This development will reduce travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope and Cholapuram and enhance connectivity to the Delta regions cultural and agricultural centres. The second project involves the six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, constructed at a cost of around Rs 200 crore. With underpasses and bridges, this project will streamline cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, and support port-led industrial growth in the region surrounding V.O. Chidambaranar Port. In a significant step to improve port infrastructure and advance clean energy efforts, the Prime Minister will inaugurate North Cargo BerthIII at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 285 crore. With a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA, this new berth will meet the regions rising demand for dry bulk cargo handling, enhance port efficiency, and optimise cargo logistics. The Prime Minister will also dedicate three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu, aimed at bolstering sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90 km MaduraiBodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport while supporting tourism and daily commuting in Madurai and Theni. The Rs 650 crore doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil TownKanniyakumari sectionpart of the ThiruvananthapuramKanniyakumari projectwill reinforce transport links between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In addition, the doubling of the AralvaymozhiNagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and TirunelveliMelappalayam (3.6 km) sections will reduce travel time along major southern routes such as ChennaiKanyakumari, boosting both passenger and freight capacity and enhancing regional economic integration. To further strengthen Tamil Nadus power infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a major power transmission projectan Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for the evacuation of electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW). This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore, includes a 400 kV (quad) double-circuit transmission line from Kudankulam to the Tuticorin-II GIS substation, along with associated terminal equipment. It will play a crucial role in reinforcing the national grid, enabling reliable clean energy distribution, and meeting growing electricity demands in Tamil Nadu and other beneficiary states. As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also release a commemorative coin in honour of one of Indias greatest emperors, Rajendra Chola I, during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple on 27 July. This special occasion also marks the 1,000-year anniversary of Rajendra Chola Is legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram templean architectural masterpiece of the Chola era. Sources added that Rajendra Chola I (10141044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital following his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there stood as a symbol of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative brilliance for over 250 years. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently championed by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmarsthe saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Significantly, Rajendra Cholas birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on 23 July, making this years festival especially meaningful.
International air travel sees 5 per cent surge in May 2025; Domestic traffic also grow
NEW DELHI: Air passenger traffic in the country continues its growth trajectory month-on-month, with a 3 per cent increase in overall passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reveals a higher demand for international travel, with a 5% increase recorded during the same period. The Air Traffic Report for May, made public by AAI, reveals that 6.76 million passengers flew abroad compared to 6.44 million last year. They form part of the 35.38 million who travelled in May 2025, compared to 34.34 million in May 2024. Air Traffic Movements (flight arrivals and departures) recorded a 5.9 per cent increase, with 2.78 crore movements in May this year compared to 2.63 crore in May last year. A total of 67,62,343 people opted to fly abroad in May 2025, versus 64,41,392 during the same month last year. Relatively smaller airports, compared to the top five, are showing a significant surge in demand for international travel. Goa recorded a nearly 300 per cent surge in international flyers, with 26,211 passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. In terms of percentage, Pune followed with a high growth of 85 per cent (34,388 flyers) during the same period. Coimbatore Airport, with 28,809 flyers, registered a 48.4 per cent increase in patronage over the previous year. Mangaluru and Surat saw a 35.1 per cent increase, with 62,159 and 18,790 flyers respectively in May this year. Similarly, Kannur Airport, with 1,00,993 international flyers, and Nagpur, with 10,471 flyers, each recorded a 20.7 per cent increase over their previous figures. The boom in international travel from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) continued, with 6,05,742 flyers in May this year, up by a significant 25 per cent over the same month last year. In comparison, other major airports like Mumbai (13,42,584 flyers) and Delhi (17,04,549 flyers) recorded single-digit growths of 2.6 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively, over their May 2024 figures. Hyderabad recorded a healthy 11.2 per cent increase with 4,52,243 flyers. Domestic front data On the domestic front as well, relatively smaller airports showed strong growth in May 2025 over May 2024. Jharsuguda recorded 40,808 flyers (a 92.2% increase), Jabalpur 46,924 flyers (90.3%), Gorakhpur 1,00,404 flyers (87.5%), Shivamogga 14,104 flyers (80.6%), Agra 22,521 flyers (77.2%), Kanpur 35,720 flyers (58%), Tirupati 1,06,200 flyers (a 53.7% increase), Rajahmundry 54,963 flyers (50.5%), Tiruchirappalli 74,343 flyers (46.5%), Kannur 46,923 flyers (49.6%), Patna 4,07,993 flyers (34.6%), and Bhuj 18,861 flyers (30.8%).
SRMIST, Trichy and Dassault Systemes signs MoU The initiative will drive R&D within the institute, focusing on the design of local technologies, systems and equipment in alignment with India's long-term goals of innovation and self-reliance. Another objective is to promote research and development initiatives that focus on the local design of technologies, systems and equipment, aligning with the country's long-term innovation and self-reliance goals. Dr. Shivakumar R., Chairman, SRM Group of Institutions, Chennai Ramapuram and Tiruchirappalli, said At SRMIST Tiruchirappalli, we are committed to nurturing a generation of innovators who are equipped not just with academic knowledge but with the application and mindset to solve real-world challenges. This collaboration with Dassault Systemes opens new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with advanced digital technologies, pursue cutting-edge research, and build impactful startups. It marks a significant step forward in aligning education with the needs of tomorrow's industries . Our collaboration with SRMIST Tiruchirappalli reflects a shared vision to empower young minds with digital design applications and industry-relevant insights, enabling them to drive innovation from the classroom to the marketplace. Through this MoU, we aim to provide access to advanced digital technology platforms, fostering research and supporting startups at every stage from idea to execution , said Deepak NG, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systemes .
