We are strengthening India’s infrastructure to move people and goods faster, create new opportunities and power economic growth: PM
The Dedicated Freight Corridor is the lifeline of a rapidly developing India: PM
From chips to ships, India is now building a new manufacturing future: PM
VADODARA: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation development projects worth more than ₹35,000 Crore in Vadodara, Gujarat. Extending warm greetings to the esteemed dignitaries, the Prime Minister commenced his address. He welcomed the citizens joining the monumental occasion both physically and via online mediums. “I welcome my brothers and sisters of Gujarat,” remarked Shri Modi.
Highlighting the vibrant atmosphere at the Maharaja Sayajirao University ground, the Prime Minister celebrated the unique convergence of professionals from diverse fields gathering for a shared festival of progress. He expressed immense joy at witnessing such a unified celebration of development. “Everything is happening here simultaneously,” noted Shri Modi.
Dedicating infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores to accelerate national progress, the Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the exceptional cleanliness drive organized by the citizens of Vadodara to welcome him. He thanked the local population for their profound spirit of service during this festival of development. “Today I have come among you to give further momentum to the journey of a Viksit Bharat,” asserted Shri Modi.
Outlining the ‘Saptadhara’ (seven streams) resolution announced at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical need for rapid connectivity through the Gati Shakti initiative, marking the historic completion of the 2800-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor. He praised Vadodara as the true city of Gati Shakti University where the final links of this massive project were connected. “This historic task for 21st-century India has been accomplished,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Showcasing the accelerated momentum post-2014, the Prime Minister celebrated the successful execution of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors which are now fundamentally transforming the commercial landscape. He noted that these networks are rapidly becoming the bedrock of the nation’s commerce. “We gave it momentum and demonstrated it by completing the work of the 2800-kilometer corridor,” asserted Shri Modi.
Elaborating on the transformative impact of this new national lifeline, the Prime Minister detailed how separating passenger and freight traffic allows over 430 cargo trains to run daily, slashing a 30-hour truck journey to just 10-12 hours. He explained that covering 100 kilometers now takes less than half the previous time, saving fuel, reducing freight charges, and protecting the environment. “The investment was made on one track, but it yielded numerous benefits,” noted Shri Modi.
Highlighting the profound agricultural benefits of the expanded logistics network, the Prime Minister explained how farmers across Eastern and Western India can now swiftly transport perishable goods to larger markets. He emphasized that sensitive items like seasonal flowers, vegetables, and fruits are finally reaching consumers and mandis right on time. “This has immensely benefited the farmers,” remarked Shri Modi.
Sharing a remarkable operational milestone on the new corridor, the Prime Minister praised the successful deployment of a double-stack container freight train from JNPT Port to Vadodara. He pointed out that this single train journey efficiently transported cargo equivalent to more than 250 trucks straight from Mumbai. “Large quantities of goods will now be able to reach from one corner of the country to another rapidly,” observed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister underscored his administration’s continuous rollout of new rail services that are finally penetrating isolated tribal regions across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He celebrated a newly launched train that will immensely benefit commuters traveling to Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur. “Rail is now reaching those parts of India where it had not reached for decades,” asserted Shri Modi.
Detailing the massive macroeconomic ripple effects of infrastructure development spanning roads, metros, airports, and gas pipelines, the Prime Minister cited the historic railway budget of over 2.75 lakh crore rupees as a primary engine for generating millions of employment opportunities. He explained that building houses for the poor and expanding ports naturally incubates new industries and businesses in the surrounding areas. “The expenditure happening on the modernization of the railways is creating thousands upon thousands of new jobs,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Transitioning to the manufacturing pillar of his ‘Saptadhara’ vision, the Prime Minister lauded Vadodara’s 150-year legacy of industrial evolution from textiles to petrochemicals, and its massive growth as an MSME hub over the last two decades. He proudly acknowledged the city’s crowning achievement as the birthplace of India’s first domestically manufactured military transport aircraft. “The first flight of the C-295 aircraft has already seen the sky here,” remarked Shri Modi.
Illustrating the country’s surging industrial capacity over the past decade, the Prime Minister presented robust statistics showcasing India’s transformation into a major global manufacturer of modern railway coaches, wagons, and locomotive engines. He specified that since 2014, the nation has successfully produced 50,000 modern coaches and introduced nearly 2.5 lakh wagons to the railway network. “India has become a major manufacturer of rail coaches, metro coaches, and rail engines,” noted Shri Modi.
Championing the drive toward total self-reliance across critical supply chains, the Prime Minister highlighted the domestic production of solar PV modules which slashed previously exorbitant import costs and built a massive 200 GW capacity. He celebrated the success of the Kadana Dam floating solar project and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has empowered 55 lakh families nationwide, including 11 lakh in Gujarat, to become electricity producers and generate immense local employment. “India is now writing a new saga of manufacturing from chip to ship,” asserted Shri Modi.
Emphasizing the strategic necessity of a robust electric ecosystem to power emerging technologies like data centers and artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister confirmed that international agreements for uranium, critical minerals, and rare earth elements are being actively secured. He stated that creating this essential infrastructure is critical if the nation is to become a global superpower in AI. “All this hard work is being done solely to secure the future of the country’s youth,” asserted Shri Modi.
Recognizing artificial intelligence as a foundational capability transcending the IT sector, the Prime Minister unveiled plans for a massive national campaign to cultivate AI-proficient youth capable of driving innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and robotics. He emphasized that mastering these cutting-edge tools will boost manufacturing productivity and spark innovative startups. “We want our younger generation to be ready for AI,” asserted Shri Modi.
Concluding with a powerful call to action, the Prime Minister urged the nation to capitalize on this unprecedented demographic dividend, maintaining an unwavering focus on transforming the country by 2047. He ended his address by offering his best wishes for the ongoing development works. “We must relentlessly ensure India becomes developed,” affirmed Shri Modi.
