Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and dedicated projects worth ₹5,400 crore in Gujarat’s capital on Monday. The projects span connectivity, power, housing, and industrial growth, reflecting the Centre’s push for infrastructure-led development.
Ganeshotsav Blessings and National Spirit
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the initiatives mark an auspicious start during Ganeshotsav. He expressed condolences to families affected by heavy rains and cloudbursts in Gujarat and other parts of India. Modi assured that the Centre, along with state governments, is actively conducting relief and rescue operations.
Legacy of the Two Mohans
Invoking Gujarat’s heritage, Modi referred to Dwarkadhish Krishna, wielder of the Sudarshan Chakra, and Mahatma Gandhi, the “Charkhadhari Mohan.” He said India’s resilience in defending its people and promoting Swadeshi reflects their legacies. Citing Operation Sindoor and the country’s resolve against terrorism, he stressed that India does not spare its enemies.
The Prime Minister accused past governments of weakening Swadeshi and fostering corruption through import dependence. He said his government has made self-reliance the cornerstone of building a developed India, citing the dairy sector, entrepreneurs, and farmers as key strengths.
Gujarat’s Industrial Rise
Highlighting Gujarat’s transformation, Modi recalled a time of unrest and curfews in Ahmedabad. He said the city now ranks among India’s safest, with industries rapidly expanding. Gujarat is producing electric locomotives, metro coaches, vehicles, aircraft components, and even transport aircraft in Vadodara. He added that the state is becoming a hub for electric vehicles and semiconductors, alongside its traditional dominance in textiles, gems, jewellery, and pharmaceuticals.
He also praised Gujarat’s leadership in renewable energy and petrochemicals, noting its vital role in solar, wind, nuclear, and green energy expansion. These developments, he said, are generating employment and strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Expanding Connectivity
Modi underlined that connectivity has transformed Gujarat over the last two decades. Projects inaugurated include widening of the Sardar Patel Ring Road, Viramgam–Khudrad–Rampura Road, and new underpasses and overbridges. He emphasized that these initiatives will ease traffic, boost trade, and benefit farmers.
He highlighted Gujarat’s fully electrified railway network and 3,000 km of new tracks laid in the past 11 years. Flagging off passenger and freight train services, he said the projects will connect industrial hubs, pilgrimage centres, and rural areas, boosting local economies.
Urban Poor Welfare
Reiterating his government’s commitment to the poor, Modi handed over 1,500 houses built under PMAY (Urban) at Ramapir No Tekro. He said this initiative reflects Gandhi’s vision of dignity for the poor and brings joy to families this festive season. Renovation work at Sabarmati Ashram was also highlighted as a global symbol of peace.
He pointed to PM SVANidhi’s success, enabling 70 lakh street vendors across India (including lakhs in Gujarat) to access bank loans. Modi said 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty in 11 years, creating a new middle class. He highlighted tax relief up to ₹12 lakh income and upcoming GST reforms to ease burdens on families and small businesses.
Green Energy and Social Transformation
Modi emphasized that under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, six lakh Gujarat families now enjoy zero electricity bills, with government aid crossing ₹3,000 crore. He also praised Ahmedabad’s transformation, noting its clean image, Sabarmati Riverfront, and Kankaria Lake’s revival.
Ahmedabad, now a UNESCO World Heritage City, is emerging as a tourism and concert hub. Modi cited the global attention from the Coldplay concert and the city’s stadium, which can host one lakh people, as examples of its growing global stature.
Call for Made-in-India Festivals
Concluding his address, Modi urged citizens to celebrate upcoming festivals with Made-in-India products. He said every Indian purchase strengthens the nation and ensures that festivals like Navratri and Diwali become true celebrations of self-reliance.
Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister C. R. Patil were present at the event.
Background of Key Projects
The Prime Minister dedicated railway projects worth over ₹1,400 crore, including doubling of the Mahesana-Palanpur line, gauge conversions, and freight services from Bechraji. Road projects, power distribution upgrades worth ₹1,000 crore, and urban infrastructure works in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar were also launched.
Administrative reforms included laying the foundation for a new Stamps and Registration Building in Ahmedabad West and a State-Level Data Storage Centre in Gandhinagar to strengthen digital governance.
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