Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple projects in the road, railways, and ports sectors, with a combined value of over Rs 29,400 crores. The ceremony took place in Mumbai, Maharashtra, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and boosting employment opportunities in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness at being able to launch projects aimed at enhancing road and rail connectivity between Mumbai and its neighboring regions. He also highlighted a major skill development project for the youth of Maharashtra, expected to further enhance employment prospects in the state.
The Prime Minister mentioned the recently approved Vadhavan port project, a Rs 76,000 crore initiative set to create over 10 lakh jobs. “The investor sentiment in Mumbai has been overwhelmingly positive in the past month, with both small and big investors welcoming the third term of our government. A stable government will work with triple speed in its third term,” said Modi.
Modi praised Maharashtra’s rich history and its current status as an industrial powerhouse. He emphasized the state’s pivotal role in making India a developed nation, highlighting its contributions in industry, agriculture, and finance. “I aim to transform Maharashtra into an economic powerhouse and make Mumbai the fintech capital of the world,” he stated. He also expressed his vision for Maharashtra to lead in tourism, including medical and conference tourism, leveraging its historical sites and natural beauty.
Reflecting on the aspirations of Indian citizens in the 21st century, the Prime Minister reiterated the national goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) in the next 25 years. He stressed the importance of improving the quality of life in Mumbai and Maharashtra through better connectivity and infrastructure projects like the coastal road and Atal Setu. Modi noted that about 20,000 vehicles use the Atal Setu daily, saving an estimated Rs 20-25 lakhs worth of fuel.
Highlighting the transformation of Indian Railways, the Prime Minister mentioned the redevelopment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Nagpur station. He noted the addition of new platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Station, allowing for the operation of 24-coach trains.
Modi also informed that the length of national highways in Maharashtra has tripled in the last decade. He highlighted the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) Project and the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel Project, which will significantly reduce travel time and distance between key areas.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to develop pilgrimage sites and ease travel for pilgrims. He mentioned the construction of Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Marg and Sant Tukaram Palkhi Marg, which will soon be operational, facilitating the travel of lakhs of pilgrims participating in Pandharpur Wari.
PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to skill development and employment, noting the record employment generation in the past 4-5 years despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited a Reserve Bank of India report indicating that approximately 8 crore jobs have been created in the last 3-4 years. Modi emphasized that infrastructure development is directly linked to employment generation.
The Prime Minister spoke about the NDA government’s development model prioritizing the deprived. He mentioned the first decision of the new government to build 3 crore houses for the poor, with 4 crore families already benefiting from the Awas Yojana. He also highlighted the success of the SVANidhi Scheme in enhancing the income and dignity of street vendors.
Concluding his address, Modi urged citizens to remember that prosperity lies in harmony and unity. He called for continued efforts towards fulfilling the vision of a harmonious society and a strong nation.
Background Information:
- Thane Borivali Tunnel Project: Worth Rs 16,600 crores, this Twin Tube Tunnel will create a direct connection between the Western Express Highway and Thane Ghodbander Road, reducing travel time by about an hour.
- Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) Project: Valued over Rs 6,300 crores, the GMLR will connect the Western Express Highway at Goregaon to the Eastern Express Highway at Mulund, facilitating direct connectivity to the new proposed airport at Navi Mumbai and the Pune Mumbai Expressway.
- Kalyan Yard Remodelling and Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal: The remodelling will increase capacity and reduce congestion at Kalyan Yard. The Gati Shakti Terminal will create additional employment opportunities and handle various commodities.
- New Platforms at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus: These improvements will enhance the capacity to handle longer trains and increase passenger convenience.
- Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana: This Rs 5,600 crore internship program aims to address youth unemployment by providing skill enhancement and industry exposure for young people aged 18 to 30.