After inaugurating Kalam memorial, PM Modi flags off new express train from Rameswaram to Ayodhya

Chennai: Shortly after his arrival in Madurai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi also unveiled a statue of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and paid tribute to him at the memorial in Rameswaram.

Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Dr APJ Abdul Kalam memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/RBQLshyeFR — ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2017

The Prime Minister also met with the family members of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam during the event in Rameswaram.

Tamil Nadu: PM Modi unveiled a statue of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and paid tribute to him at the memorial in Rameswaram pic.twitter.com/Lm6Hw8cWCX

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2017

Today is the second death anniversary of the former president who died of cardiac arrest in Shillong on July 27, 2015.

Tamil Nadu: PM Narendra Modi met family members of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram pic.twitter.com/fvCpp1hIok — ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2017

Kalam was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram.

Upon his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was welcomed by Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami.

PM @narendramodi being received by the Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao & CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami of Tamil Nadu on his arrival at Madurai. pic.twitter.com/qIXixOEPav — PIB India (@PIB_India) July 27, 2017

Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and NDA's Vice Presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu were among those present on the occasion.

The PM hoisted the national flag at the memorial designed and built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Pei Karumbu.

After inaugurating the memorial built at an outlay of around Rs 15 crore, Modi also flagged off the 'Kalam 2020 Science Vehicle'.

The Science Vehicle will travel to several states showcasing Kalam's achievements in the field of science and would reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on October 15, which happens to be the birth anniversary of the former president.

Modi then proceeded to Mandapam for a public meeting.

He distributed sanction letters to the beneficiaries of long liner trawlers under 'Blue Revolution' scheme and also flagged off a new express train from Ayodhya to Rameswaram (via video conference).

Tamil Nadu: PM Narendra Modi flagged off a new express train from Rameswaram to Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/jVNSAa2JLv — ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2017

The PM will also release a synopsis of the 'Green Rameswaram' project.

He will unveil a plaque to mark the dedication to the nation of the 9.5 km link road on NH 87, which runs between Mukundarayar Chathiram and Arichalmunai.

The day-long visit will conclude with an address at a public meeting.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at the coastal temple town of Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district ahead of Modi's visit.

(With Agency inputs)