Banaskantha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day Gujarat visit on Friday with a roadshow in Banaskantha district, where large crowds gathered along the route to welcome him. During the visit, he highlighted the state’s development journey, farmers’ welfare, rural growth and infrastructure expansion, while emphasising his commitment to public service and national development.
Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, PM Modi addressed a public gathering in Banaskantha. He highlighted development projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore, covering agriculture, dairy production, energy, road and railway connectivity, urban transport and rural infrastructure.
Reflecting on his journey from serving the people of Gujarat to leading the country, the Prime Minister said his priorities had always been public service and national development. He credited the people of Gujarat for shaping his journey and guiding him in public life.
“I only knew two things – from serving the people to serving the nation, and from the development of Gujarat to the development of the country. The rest, how to do it and how to move forward, you have taught me,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, PM Modi said he would remain dedicated to serving the people and the country throughout his life.
“Until the last breath – service, service, service. Service to the people of the country, service to all,” he said.
PM Modi Highlights Banaskantha’s Development and Rural Growth
During his address, PM Modi highlighted Banaskantha’s progress in agriculture, dairy production, infrastructure and connectivity. He said the region was witnessing new development opportunities, with initiatives focused on increasing farmers’ income and strengthening rural economies.
The projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore include a bovine breeding and research centre, two Bio-CNG plants, metro extensions, road infrastructure, railway services and child-friendly Anganwadi centres.
The initiatives are aimed at improving agricultural productivity, supporting the dairy sector, creating cleaner energy infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across Gujarat.
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Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi
One of the major initiatives during the visit is the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) at Bhildi, which PM Modi is scheduled to dedicate to the nation.
Spread across 127 acres, the facility has been developed as a Centre of Excellence for bovine breeding, genetic improvement and advanced reproductive technologies.
The centre is expected to support improvements in livestock breeding and contribute to the development of the dairy sector through scientific research and modern reproductive technologies.
Two Bio-CNG Plants to Strengthen Clean Energy Production
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stones for two Bio-CNG plants being developed by Banas Dairy at Tharad and Radhanpur.
The plants will have the following cattle dung processing capacities:
- Tharad Bio-CNG Plant: 75 metric tonnes per day.
- Radhanpur Bio-CNG Plant: 100 metric tonnes per day.
The projects are aimed at converting cattle dung into clean energy, supporting waste management and creating additional value from dairy-sector resources.
PM-KISAN and Farmers’ Welfare in Focus
Farmers’ welfare and rural livelihoods were among the key themes of PM Modi’s address. He highlighted the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, which provides financial assistance to eligible farmers, and noted that small farmers account for more than 85% of India’s farming community.
During the visit, the Prime Minister released the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN, amounting to approximately ₹19,000 crore, for eligible farmers across the country. He also highlighted the Soil Health Card scheme, stating that more than 26 crore cards had been distributed to farmers. The initiative helps farmers understand soil conditions and adopt more scientific farming practices.
PM Modi said the government was working to integrate agriculture and animal husbandry with science and technology while improving farmers’ access to financial assistance, modern infrastructure and better opportunities.
Major Infrastructure Projects Announced in Gujarat
The Banaskantha programme also includes several major infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving road, railway and urban connectivity.
Key projects include:
- Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2A: The project will extend metro connectivity to the airport.
- Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2B: The extension will connect the metro network to GIFT City.
- Ahmedabad-Mehsana Road widening: PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for widening State Highway-41 from four lanes to eight lanes at an estimated cost of ₹2,600 crore.
- Railway services: Two services, the Ahmedabad (Sabarmati)-Varanasi Express and the Mehsana-Becharaji-Sabarmati MEMU, will be flagged off.
These projects are expected to improve passenger convenience, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activity across the state.
New Anganwadi Centres and Agriculture Infrastructure Projects
The Prime Minister’s programme also includes initiatives focused on child development and agricultural infrastructure.
The key projects include:
- Setting up 4,030 new child-friendly Anganwadi centres.
- Inaugurating 361 completed Anganwadi centres.
- Dedicating 521 completed projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
The agriculture infrastructure projects cover cold storage facilities, warehouses, processing units, greenhouses and other facilities aimed at improving agricultural supply chains and post-harvest management.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen rural infrastructure, support farmers and improve access to essential services.
PM Modi to Attend Bharat Parv 2026 and Ekta Diwas Celebrations
After completing the Banaskantha programme, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, where he will inaugurate Bharat Parv 2026, witness the Ekta Prakash Parv and attend the Narmada Aarti.
On Saturday, October 31, he will pay floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The celebrations will feature the Ekta Parade, involving the Central Armed Police Forces, state police forces and Central Police Organisations.
A theatrical presentation titled “Naxal Mukt Bharat”, organised by the National School of Drama, will involve approximately 2,000 artists from 126 districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism. A separate cultural presentation featuring around 5,000 artists from across the country will showcase India’s classical and folk traditions. “Vande Mataram” will be the overarching theme of the celebrations.
PM Modi’s Gujarat Visit Combines Development and National Unity
PM Modi’s two-day Gujarat visit brings together political outreach, public service messaging and a major development agenda. From projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore in Banaskantha to initiatives supporting farmers, dairy production, clean energy and connectivity, the programme highlights the government’s focus on infrastructure and rural development.
The visit will conclude with the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, placing national unity and the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the centre of the programme.
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