PM Modi unveils development projects worth Rs 1.06 lakh crore
New Delhi, Mar 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects valued at over Rs 1.06 lakh crore at the Dedicated Freight Corridor's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
These projects span multiple sectors, including railway infrastructure, connectivity, and petrochemicals. He also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains, marking a significant stride in India's transportation sector.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the lakhs of individuals connected to the event from over 200 different locations, highlighting the unprecedented scale and significance of the occasion in the history of Indian Railways.
“In the first 75 days of 2024, projects worth more than Rs 11 lakh crore have been inaugurated or initiated, with Rs 7 lakh crore unveiled in the last 10-12 days alone," stated PM Modi, emphasising the government's commitment to national development.
He reiterated the importance of these projects in fostering economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving infrastructure nationwide.
Acknowledging the critical role of today's initiatives in achieving the vision of a developed India, PM Modi revealed that projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore had been launched, with around Rs 85,000 crore dedicated to the railways sector.
He specifically mentioned the foundation stone laying of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG at Dahej, a project valued at over Rs 20,000 crore, aimed at bolstering hydrogen production and polypropylene demand in the nation.
These initiatives are integral to the government's strategy of promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.
PM Modi highlighted the significance of initiatives like Ekta Malls in Maharashtra and Gujarat, which aim to promote India's cottage industry and handicrafts nationwide, aligning with the government's mission for ‘Vocal for Local’ and advancing the goals of a developed India.
He emphasised that such initiatives not only empower local artisans but also contribute to the socio-economic development of rural areas.
Highlighting the importance of today's inaugurations for the nation's youth, PM Modi assured them of a bright future, propelled by the transformative projects being initiated.
He reiterated the government's commitment to providing skill development opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, thereby creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
PM Modi reflected on the transformative journey of Indian Railways, noting significant improvements made since 2014, including enhanced connectivity, modernisation of infrastructure, and a shift towards cleaner and more efficient operations.
He assured the citizens that the government's commitment to railway development remains steadfast, with a promise of further advancements in the coming years.
The PM criticised those who associate these initiatives with electoral motives.
“For us, these development projects are not about winning elections; they are about nation-building," he asserted. He assured that the next generation would not confront the issues of previous generations, vowing, “This is Modi's guarantee.”
Highlighting the progress made in the last decade, the PM cited the Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors as exemplary projects.
These dedicated tracks for goods transportation have significantly enhanced speed and are pivotal for agriculture, industry, exports, and commerce.
Almost completing the freight corridor connecting the east and west coasts over the past decade, approximately 600 km have already been inaugurated.
Additionally, the Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad has been launched.
The PM attributed the doubled speed of goods trains on this corridor to government efforts.
Expanding on the development, he mentioned the ongoing establishment of an industrial corridor along the entire route.
Various facilities, including Railway Goods Sheds, Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminals, Digital Control Stations, Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, and Railway Depots, were inaugurated at multiple locations.
“This comprehensive infrastructure development is expected to significantly bolster freight transportation,” the PM said.
He reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Indian Railways and urged citizens to join hands in the journey towards a prosperous and modern India.
The PM emphasised the need for collective effort and cooperation from all stakeholders to realise the vision of a self-reliant and resilient nation.
