NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several major developmental projects in Ahmedabad, including the first ‘Vande Metro,’ now renamed ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.’
The projects, worth Rs 8,500 crore, aim to enhance Gujarat‘s urban connectivity through extensive rail, road, and metro infrastructure.
Addressing a public rally in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said, “Projects worth Rs 8,500 crore have been inaugurated here, which include rail, road, metro. Today, another star has been added to the pride of Gujarat. Today, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has also been flagged off; this will prove to be a milestone in the urban connectivity of India.”
During his speech PM Modi took aim at the opposition and said “Those filled with hate are not leaving any chance to defame India and Gujarat.” Criticising individuals he described as spreading negativity he said, “Some people filled with negativity are targeting India’s unity and integrity; they want to divide the country.”
PM Modi addressed the criticism he faced from opposition parties during his third term as Prime Minister. “In the first 100 days of my third term, they (opposition) made fun of me and insulted me. I decided not to respond to any insult but to ensure completing the government’s agenda for 100 days,” he said.
The ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail,’ set to operate between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, is expected to provide great convenience to students, professionals, and businessmen. “Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is going to provide a lot of convenience to our middle-class families who travel from one city to another in the country every day,” PM Modi said.
“In the future, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will connect many cities in the country,” he added.
In addition to the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route, PM Modi flagged off several other Vande Bharat trains on key routes, including Kolhapur to Pune, Pune to Hubballi, Nagpur to Secunderabad, Agra Cantt to Banaras, and Durg to Visakhapatnam.
He also launched the first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi. Highlighting the rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat network, Modi said, “In the last 100 days, dozens of projects related to rail, road, port, airport and metro have been approved. The speed with which the network of Vande Bharat trains has been expanded in these 100 days is unprecedented… One new Vande Bharat train has been started every week in the last 15 weeks.”
The Prime Minister also handed over keys to beneficiaries of state-completed houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), both in urban and rural segments. “Today, thousands of families in Gujarat are entering their new homes. Thousands of families have also received the first installment of their pucca houses. I wish that they will celebrate all the upcoming festivals in their new houses,” he said.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s recent challenges, Modi expressed concern about the devastating floods caused by unprecedented rainfall. “This year, several regions of Gujarat received heavy rainfall simultaneously. This is the first time we have seen such heavy rainfall on such a wide scale and short timeframe… Because of this, we lost several lives. The state and central governments are making all possible efforts to provide relief to those affected; those who are undergoing treatment, I pray for their speedy recovery,” he added.
The projects, worth Rs 8,500 crore, aim to enhance Gujarat‘s urban connectivity through extensive rail, road, and metro infrastructure.
Addressing a public rally in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said, “Projects worth Rs 8,500 crore have been inaugurated here, which include rail, road, metro. Today, another star has been added to the pride of Gujarat. Today, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has also been flagged off; this will prove to be a milestone in the urban connectivity of India.”
During his speech PM Modi took aim at the opposition and said “Those filled with hate are not leaving any chance to defame India and Gujarat.” Criticising individuals he described as spreading negativity he said, “Some people filled with negativity are targeting India’s unity and integrity; they want to divide the country.”
PM Modi addressed the criticism he faced from opposition parties during his third term as Prime Minister. “In the first 100 days of my third term, they (opposition) made fun of me and insulted me. I decided not to respond to any insult but to ensure completing the government’s agenda for 100 days,” he said.
The ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail,’ set to operate between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, is expected to provide great convenience to students, professionals, and businessmen. “Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is going to provide a lot of convenience to our middle-class families who travel from one city to another in the country every day,” PM Modi said.
“In the future, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will connect many cities in the country,” he added.
In addition to the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route, PM Modi flagged off several other Vande Bharat trains on key routes, including Kolhapur to Pune, Pune to Hubballi, Nagpur to Secunderabad, Agra Cantt to Banaras, and Durg to Visakhapatnam.
He also launched the first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi. Highlighting the rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat network, Modi said, “In the last 100 days, dozens of projects related to rail, road, port, airport and metro have been approved. The speed with which the network of Vande Bharat trains has been expanded in these 100 days is unprecedented… One new Vande Bharat train has been started every week in the last 15 weeks.”
The Prime Minister also handed over keys to beneficiaries of state-completed houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), both in urban and rural segments. “Today, thousands of families in Gujarat are entering their new homes. Thousands of families have also received the first installment of their pucca houses. I wish that they will celebrate all the upcoming festivals in their new houses,” he said.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s recent challenges, Modi expressed concern about the devastating floods caused by unprecedented rainfall. “This year, several regions of Gujarat received heavy rainfall simultaneously. This is the first time we have seen such heavy rainfall on such a wide scale and short timeframe… Because of this, we lost several lives. The state and central governments are making all possible efforts to provide relief to those affected; those who are undergoing treatment, I pray for their speedy recovery,” he added.
PM Modi expressed optimism about India’s developmental trajectory. “This is a golden period for the country. In the next 25 years, we need to make India developed. In this goal, Gujarat is going to play a crucial role. Gujarat, today, is becoming a huge hub of manufacturing. It’s one of the most well-connected states in the country. The day isn’t far when Gujarat will gift the first Made in India transport aircraft C295,” Modi stated.
Reflecting on his connection to Gujarat, the Prime Minister said, “After taking oath as PM for the third time, this is the first time I am visiting Gujarat. Gujarat is my birthplace, it has given me all the lessons of life. You have also showered love on me, and when a son returns to his home and gets blessings from loved ones, he gets new energy.”