Prime Minister Inaugurates Development Projects and Unveils Future Vision for Indian Railways

Ahmedabad: In a landmark event at the Dedicated Freight Corridor’s Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated several developmental projects worth over Rs 1,06,000 crores to the nation. The projects, spanning railway infrastructure, connectivity, and petrochemicals, mark a significant stride towards the government’s commitment to a developed and economically competent India.

The Prime Minister commenced the event by flagging off 10 new Vande Bharat trains and acknowledging the lakhs of people connected from over 200 different places. He emphasized the unparalleled scale and size of the event, underlining its historic significance in the annals of Railways’ history.

Highlighting the government’s dedication to development, the Prime Minister stated, “In the 75 days of 2024, projects worth more than Rs 11 lakh crores have been inaugurated or had foundation stones laid, with projects worth Rs 7 lakh crores unveiled in the last 10-12 days.” This event, with projects exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore, further solidifies the government’s commitment to Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister touched upon diverse sectors, including railways, petrochemicals, and infrastructure. He laid the foundation stone of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG at Dahej, emphasizing its role in boosting hydrogen production and meeting the demand for polypropylene in the country. Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the foundation stone laying of Ekta Malls in Maharashtra and Gujarat, contributing to Vocal for Local and fortifying Viksit Bharat’s foundations.

Reflecting on the country’s young demographics, Prime Minister Modi assured the youth that the inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones are for their present and guarantee a bright future. He took a historical perspective, mentioning the transformative journey of Indian Railways since 2014, overcoming challenges such as lack of connectivity, unmanned crossings, and inefficiencies.

The Prime Minister underscored the government’s determination to bring railways out of challenging conditions, listing key initiatives such as a six-fold budget increase since 2014. He assured the nation that the next five years would witness transformative changes, exceeding imagination.

Talking about Vande Bharat trains, the Prime Minister noted their success, with most states having received them, and the network touching 250 districts. He highlighted the country’s move towards 100 percent electrification, solar-powered stations, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras on railway stations.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the manufacturing of railway trains, tracks, and stations is creating an ecosystem of Made in India. He noted the export of Made in India locomotives and coaches to several countries, promoting new employment opportunities.

Critiquing those who link development projects with elections, the Prime Minister stated, “For us, these development projects are not for forming a government but a mission of nation-building.” He presented the Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors as exemplary of development over the past 10 years, connecting the east and west coasts and significantly improving freight transportation.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing delight that Indian Railways is promoting tourism related to regional culture and faith, aligning with the mantra of heritage along with development. He highlighted initiatives such as Bharat Gaurav trains running on Ramayana Circuit, Guru-Kripa Circuit, Jain Yatra, and Aastha special trains facilitating devotees’ journeys to Ayodhya. The One Station One Product scheme aims to sell products manufactured by the nation’s artisans and self-help groups on railway stations, promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.