Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Addressing a large gathering at the Maharaja Sayajirao University ground, the Prime Minister said the projects would strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, create new opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
He also highlighted the completion of the 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and described it as a lifeline for a rapidly developing India.
PM Modi Highlights Completion of 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor
The Prime Minister highlighted the historic completion of the 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor, linking the Eastern and Western freight networks.
He said the project reflects the government’s focus on rapid connectivity under the Gati Shakti initiative and would transform India’s commercial and logistics landscape.
According to the Prime Minister, separating freight and passenger traffic has enabled more than 430 cargo trains to operate daily.
The freight corridor has also reduced transportation time significantly:
- Truck journeys that earlier took around 30 hours can now be completed in about 10–12 hours on comparable freight movements.
- Travel time for 100 km has been reduced to less than half of the earlier duration.
- Faster freight movement helps save fuel and reduce logistics costs.
- Reduced fuel consumption also contributes to environmental benefits.
Dedicated Freight Corridor to Benefit Farmers and Agriculture
PM Modi highlighted the impact of improved freight connectivity on farmers and agricultural markets.
The expanded logistics network enables perishable commodities to move more quickly from production centres in eastern and western India to larger markets and mandis.
Products such as:
- Seasonal flowers
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Other perishable agricultural commodities
can reach consumers and markets more efficiently, helping reduce delays in transportation.
Double-Stack Container Train Links JNPT with Vadodara
The Prime Minister also highlighted the successful operation of a double-stack container freight train from JNPT Port to Vadodara.
He said a single such train carried cargo equivalent to more than 250 trucks, demonstrating the capacity of dedicated freight infrastructure to move large volumes of goods efficiently.
The DFC is expected to facilitate faster movement of goods between different parts of the country and strengthen India’s logistics network.
New Rail Connectivity to Tribal Regions
PM Modi also highlighted the expansion of rail services to previously underserved areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
A newly launched train service is expected to benefit commuters travelling to Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur.
The Prime Minister said rail connectivity is now reaching regions where railway services had remained unavailable for decades.
Infrastructure Development to Create Jobs and New Businesses
The Prime Minister said investments in infrastructure are creating wider economic opportunities across sectors.
He highlighted the role of roads, metros, airports, gas pipelines and railway infrastructure in generating employment and supporting new businesses.
He also pointed to the railway budget of more than ₹2.75 lakh crore, describing railway modernisation as an important driver of employment generation.
According to PM Modi, infrastructure development can also stimulate industries and businesses around new housing, ports and transportation projects.
Vadodara Emerges as Manufacturing and MSME Hub
PM Modi highlighted Vadodara’s long industrial history, which has evolved from textiles to petrochemicals and a strong MSME ecosystem.
He also noted Vadodara’s role in India’s defence manufacturing journey as the production location for the country’s first domestically manufactured C-295 military transport aircraft.
The Prime Minister said the aircraft’s first flight has already taken place from Vadodara.
India Expands Domestic Railway Manufacturing
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing manufacturing capabilities in the railway sector.
Since 2014, India has manufactured:
- 50,000 modern railway coaches
- Nearly 2.5 lakh wagons
He said India has emerged as a major manufacturer of railway coaches, metro coaches and locomotive engines.
PM Modi Highlights Solar Manufacturing and Energy Self-Reliance
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of domestic manufacturing across critical supply chains.
He highlighted India’s growth in domestic solar PV module manufacturing and the expansion of solar power capacity to around 200 GW.
He also referred to the Kadana Dam floating solar project and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
According to PM Modi, the rooftop solar scheme has empowered around 55 lakh families across India, including approximately 11 lakh families in Gujarat, to become electricity producers.
He said the growth of the clean energy ecosystem is also creating employment opportunities and supporting India’s broader manufacturing ambitions.
India Building Manufacturing Ecosystem from Chips to Ships
PM Modi emphasised India’s push for self-reliance and manufacturing across emerging and strategic sectors.
He said the country is working to strengthen its capabilities in areas ranging from semiconductors and critical minerals to energy and advanced manufacturing.
“From chips to ships,” he said, India is building a new manufacturing future.
The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to secure access to uranium, critical minerals and rare earth elements, which he said are important for India’s future technological and energy requirements.
Strong Power Ecosystem Essential for AI and Data Centres
The Prime Minister stressed that a reliable electricity ecosystem will be critical for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centres.
He said investments in solar, wind, hydro and nuclear energy are aimed at creating the infrastructure required to support India’s future technology ambitions.
PM Modi also emphasised that securing critical energy and mineral resources is important for India’s ambition to become a global leader in AI.
National Education Policy Focuses on Continuous Skill Development
Addressing India’s changing economic and technological environment, PM Modi said traditional degrees alone are no longer sufficient for the evolving job market.
He highlighted the restructuring of the education and training ecosystem under the National Education Policy, with greater emphasis on skills and continuous upgradation.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for young people to continuously develop and upgrade their skills to remain prepared for changing global requirements.
Free Coaching Initiative for Competitive Exams
PM Modi announced a landmark initiative to provide free coaching for competitive examinations as part of a commitment made from the Red Fort.
He said the initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on poor and middle-class families whose children are preparing for competitive examinations.
The government, he said, would take responsibility for supporting the coaching requirements of young aspirants.
PM Modi Announces Focus on AI Skills for Youth
The Prime Minister also announced plans for a massive national campaign to make India’s youth AI-proficient.
He said artificial intelligence should not be viewed only as an IT-sector capability, as it can transform sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Robotics
- Manufacturing
- Startups and innovation
According to PM Modi, developing AI skills among young people can improve productivity, support new innovations and encourage the creation of technology-driven startups.
Focus on Viksit Bharat 2047
Concluding his address, PM Modi called for continued efforts to leverage India’s demographic dividend and accelerate the country’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
He said the infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, education and technology initiatives are ultimately aimed at creating greater opportunities for India’s youth and strengthening the country’s economic foundation.
