Puducherry, Sep 16: Lieutenant Governor Kuniyil Kailashnathan on Thursday discussed his development roadmap for the Union Territory with a five‑day media delegation from Kashmir, emphasising plans to position Puducherry as a medical‑tourism destination and outlining key transport upgrades intended to bolster visitor inflows.
LG stresses medical‑tourism ambition
During an hour‑long interaction at Lok Niwas, the LG reflected on his administrative experience and set out a vision focused on health‑sector growth. He highlighted the Union Territory's current medical education base, saying Puducherry, with a population of about fifteen lakhs, already has seven medical colleges, including the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), an institution of national importance.
He said he envisions transforming the Union Territory into a major medical tourism hub.
Officials present described the strategy as leveraging existing clinical and teaching capacity to attract patients from other parts of India and abroad, supported by improved transport links and allied hospitality services.
Transport upgrades to support growth
The LG informed the delegation that airport infrastructure work is under way to extend the existing runway to 2,500 metres from the current 1,500 metres, enabling operations of larger commercial aircraft. The expansion is being presented by the administration as a key measure to increase direct air connectivity and raise tourist arrivals.
In addition to the runway project, the LG said that road and rail expansion works in and around the Union Territory are moving forward, with completion targets indicated for 2028. He said these projects are expected to complement the airport upgrade and support the medical‑tourism push.
Delegation visit and exchanges
The delegation, reported to be on a five‑day press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau, Srinagar, visited Puducherry as part of a broader Chennai itinerary running from September 13 to 19. The visit provided the journalists an opportunity to learn about administration initiatives and infrastructure projects in the Union Territory.
Later the same day, the group visited the Auroville Foundation, described as an experimental spiritual township, and held discussions with residents and foundation members, according to the account of the programme.
LG comments on Jammu and Kashmir industrial policy
While taking questions on regional development, the LG offered observations on the industrial scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested that attracting investment may require a package of incentives, including tax concessions, cheaper power tariffs and further improvements to transport connectivity.
The LG noted that enhanced railway links have already begun to integrate the region more closely with the national network, and said that stronger infrastructure and fiscal measures could help catalyse industrial activity.
Context and implications for Puducherry
Administrators and investors have for several years cited connectivity and specialised healthcare capacity as factors that could position smaller coastal cities as medical‑tourism centres. Puducherry's existing teaching hospitals and research institutions are likely to be central to any such expansion, while improved airport capacity and surface transport are common prerequisites for higher patient volumes and tourism growth.
Local planners will need to align clinical services, accommodation, regulatory approvals and marketing to convert the stated vision into measurable outcomes. The LG's remarks signal the administration's intent; precise timelines, funding sources and tendering schedules for the projects were not specified during the meeting.
- Population noted: around 15 lakh residents across the Union Territory.
- Medical education base: seven medical colleges, including JIPMER.
- Transport targets: runway extension to 2,500 m from 1,500 m; road and rail works expected by 2028.
| Item | Current | Target / Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Runway length | 1,500 m | 2,500 m |
| Medical colleges | 7 (including JIPMER) | Leverage for medical tourism |
| Transport projects | Ongoing | Completion expected by 2028 |
The meeting, held as part of an exposure tour organised by the Press Information Bureau, Srinagar, aimed to familiarise visiting journalists with policies and projects in the south. The LG's presentation outlined priorities for economic and health‑sector development, while the delegation's itinerary included institutional visits in Chennai and interactions with local stakeholders.
Officials have framed the proposals as preparatory steps to attract patients, investors and tourists; the next stage for observers will be to watch for formal project notifications, budget allocations and procurement steps that translate the roadmap into implementable schemes.
