Silvassa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of development projects worth over ₹2,580 crore in Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. As part of his visit, he also inaugurated the Namo Hospital, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility aimed at providing modern medical services to the people. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his deep connection with the people of the region, recalling his decades-old bond and the progress made over the last ten years. He highlighted how the once-overlooked coastal territory has transformed into a modern hub of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industry under his government.
During his speech, the Prime Minister drew a comparison to Singapore’s transformation from a small fishing village into a global economic powerhouse, urging the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu to embrace a similar vision of progress. He emphasized that the region is not just a Union Territory but a symbol of India’s rich heritage and immense potential. He spoke about the government’s commitment to making the territory a model of holistic development, with a focus on high-tech infrastructure, world-class education, modern healthcare, tourism, industrial growth, and women’s empowerment. He acknowledged the efforts of Administrator Praful Patel and his administration in implementing welfare schemes and ensuring rapid development in the region.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring 100 percent saturation in key welfare schemes so that no citizen is left behind. He cited the success of initiatives like One Nation, One Ration Card, Jal Jeevan Mission, BharatNet, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima, and PM Suraksha Bima, all of which have significantly benefited the people of the region, particularly the underprivileged and tribal communities. He also announced the government’s goal to expand the Smart Cities Mission, improve access to education through the Samagra Shiksha initiative, and provide more support for entrepreneurs under the PM Mudra Yojana.
Education has been a key focus of the development efforts in the region. The Prime Minister noted that while earlier, students had to leave their hometowns for higher education, the territory is now home to six prestigious national-level institutes, including Namo Medical College, Gujarat National Law University, IIIT Diu, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and Daman Engineering College. He highlighted that education is now offered in four languages—Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Marathi—ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. He also expressed pride in the introduction of smart classrooms in primary and junior schools, ensuring that students receive a modern education.
Healthcare has also witnessed a significant transformation in the region. With the inauguration of the 450-bed Namo Hospital, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s commitment to providing quality medical services to all, particularly the tribal communities. He spoke about the success of the Jan Aushadhi scheme, which provides affordable medicines at over 15,000 centers nationwide. He shared that the government has distributed medicines worth ₹6,500 crore at reduced prices, resulting in savings of over ₹30,000 crore for poor and middle-class families. The government aims to expand these efforts by increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi centers to 25,000 in the coming years.
Addressing the issue of rising lifestyle diseases, the Prime Minister spoke about the growing concern of obesity in India. He warned that projections suggest over 440 million Indians could be affected by obesity by 2050, making it one of the most pressing health challenges. He urged citizens to take proactive measures, such as reducing cooking oil consumption by 10 percent and incorporating daily physical activity into their routines. He emphasized that for India to become a developed nation, a healthy population is essential.
Industrial growth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu has seen a remarkable rise in the last decade. The Prime Minister spoke about the impact of the recently launched Mission Manufacturing initiative, which has attracted significant investments and created employment opportunities, particularly for tribal communities, women, and marginalized groups. He mentioned the implementation of the Gir Adarsh Jeevika Yojana, which is empowering SC, ST, OBC, and women entrepreneurs. He also noted that new self-employment opportunities have been created through the establishment of small dairy farms, which are boosting rural livelihoods.
Tourism is emerging as a key driver of economic growth in the region. The Prime Minister spoke about initiatives such as the development of Ram Setu, Namo Path, the Tent City in Daman, and the Night Market, which are drawing tourists from across the country. He highlighted that a large bird sanctuary has been established, and plans are underway to create an eco-resort in Dudhani. He also spoke about the continued development of coastal tourism, with the Blue Flag certification for Ghoghla Beach in Diu making it a premier tourist destination. Plans for a cable car project in Diu are also in progress, which will offer spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and further boost tourism in the region.
The Prime Minister spoke about the massive improvements in connectivity infrastructure that are transforming the region. He announced that a bullet train station is being built near Dadra, and the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway passes through Silvassa, making travel easier and faster. He noted that in the past few years, hundreds of kilometers of new roads have been constructed, with over 500 kilometers of additional roadwork currently underway with multi-crore investments. The local airport is also being upgraded under the UDAN scheme to enhance air connectivity, ensuring that the region is well connected to the rest of the country.
Digital transformation and good governance have been key priorities for the government in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. The Prime Minister pointed out that citizens no longer need to visit government offices multiple times to get their issues resolved, as most services are now available digitally. Special government camps are being organized in villages to provide immediate solutions to people’s concerns, especially in tribal and rural areas that were neglected for decades.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister congratulated the administration and the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu for making the region a model of development, good governance, and ease of living. He assured them that his government would continue to work towards comprehensive progress and prosperity. Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome he received, he emphasized that the projects inaugurated today mark the beginning of a new era of growth and opportunity for the region. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu one of the fastest-growing and most well-connected regions in India.