Tatanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various railway projects worth over ₹660 crore in Tatanagar, Jharkhand, via video conferencing. During the event, the Prime Minister also flagged off six Vande Bharat Express trains and distributed sanction letters to 32,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
In his address, the Prime Minister began by paying homage to Baba Baidyanath, Baba Basukinath, and Lord Birsa Munda, and extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Karma Parv, a festival dedicated to nature worship. He noted the symbolic Karma Parv greeting he received at the Ranchi airport and conveyed his best wishes to the people of Jharkhand. The Prime Minister emphasized that Jharkhand is receiving a major boost today with six new Vande Bharat trains, ₹660 crore worth of railway projects, and pucca houses under PM Awas Yojana.
Six Vande Bharat Trains for Jharkhand
PM Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the Vande Bharat trains on the region’s connectivity. He expressed pride in enhancing rail connectivity in eastern India, stressing that the new trains will not only boost the economy but also benefit students, professionals, and businesses. He mentioned the cultural significance of the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat, which will facilitate pilgrimages to Baba Baidyanath, thereby promoting tourism and industrial growth in Tatanagar.
Major Railway Projects for Development
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for several railway projects, including the Madhupur Bypass Line in Deoghar, which will help reduce travel time between Giridih and Jasidih, and the Hazaribagh Town Coaching Depot, which will improve the maintenance of railway stocks. He also highlighted the doubling of the Kurkura-Kanaroan line, which will enhance rail connectivity to Jharkhand’s steel industries.
Increased Investment in Jharkhand’s Railway Infrastructure
Shri Modi emphasized that the Centre has significantly increased investments in Jharkhand’s railway infrastructure. The Prime Minister noted that the state was allocated more than ₹7,000 crore in this year’s budget for railway development, which is 16 times higher than the allocation a decade ago. This investment is driving the electrification of Jharkhand’s railway lines, with the state becoming one of the few to achieve 100% electrification of its rail routes. Over 50 railway stations in Jharkhand are also being rejuvenated under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Scheme.
PMAY-G Sanction Letters Distributed
The Prime Minister also distributed sanction letters to 32,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries in Jharkhand, marking the first installment towards providing pucca houses with facilities such as toilets, drinking water, electricity, and gas connections. He emphasized the significance of homeownership in boosting the confidence and future aspirations of families, while also creating thousands of jobs in rural and urban areas under the PM Awas Yojana.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities, including Dalits, the deprived, and tribal families. He highlighted the PM Janman Yojana, a scheme designed to uplift the tribal community by providing essential services such as housing, roads, electricity, water, and education. The Prime Minister emphasized that these efforts are part of the government’s vision for a developed Jharkhand.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed regret for not being able to attend the event in person due to poor weather conditions but assured the people of Jharkhand that his government’s dedication to the state’s progress remains unwavering. He expressed confidence that the projects inaugurated today will contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jharkhand.