Politics

Modi Unveils ₹24,000 Cr Projects in Gujarat, Promises a Stronger, Self-Reliant India

A Development Drive in Dahod

On a politically symbolic day—May 26, marking ten years since he first took office—Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to his home state Gujarat, unveiling a sweeping package of infrastructure and development projects worth ₹24,000 crore in Dahod. From railway connectivity to locomotive manufacturing, this ambitious rollout reflects not just regional development but India’s larger vision for self-reliance and industrial growth.

The Prime Minister's visit marked a decisive push toward strengthening India's rail infrastructure, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and improving essential services in tribal and rural areas. At the heart of his address was a reaffirmation: "I have dedicated myself to the nation."

A Game-Changing List of Projects

PM Modi’s announcements in Dahod spanned critical infrastructure, railways, water supply, and urban development. Key highlights include:

·       Rail Infrastructure Boost

1.       Inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express between Veraval and Ahmedabad, enhancing fast passenger connectivity across Gujarat.

2.       New express train flagged off connecting Valsad and Dahod, further bridging remote areas to urban centres.

3.       Aimed at improving regional rail access, these moves are expected to stimulate both tourism and trade.

·       Electric Locomotive Manufacturing Plant

1.       Operational launch of the ₹20,000 crore Dahod Loco Manufacturing Unit.

2.       Foundation stone laid in 2022.

3.       Now produces high-powered 9,000-HP electric locomotives.

4.       Annual production capacity of 120 units, scalable to 150.

5.       Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

6.       Long-term plan: 1,200 locomotives over 10 years.

7.       Supports ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

8.       Designed for both domestic use and export, capable of hauling 4,600 tonnes.

·       Water Supply Projects

1.       Launch of four major drinking water schemes worth ₹181 crore.

2.       Aimed at benefiting 4.62 lakh people across 193 villages and one town in Dahod and Mahisagar districts.

3.       Enhancing access to clean drinking water in tribal regions.

·       Urban Development Support

·       Distribution of ₹3,300 crore cheques to urban local bodies under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana.

·       Intended to improve urban infrastructure, sanitation, and public amenities across Gujarat towns.

Self-Reliance and National Ambition

Throughout his address, PM Modi emphasized the nation’s technological and manufacturing progress:

“India not only manufactures the necessary technology for rail and metro systems but also exports it. Our Dahod is living proof.”

He underlined India’s transformation from an import-dependent country to a global exporter of advanced rail technology, symbolized by the first electric locomotive rolling out from Dahod.

He also invoked the collective effort of 140 crore Indians toward building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), reiterating that manufacturing at home is critical to future progress.

The Road Ahead: From Dahod to Bhuj

After Dahod, the Prime Minister is headed to Bhuj, where he will launch additional projects worth ₹53,400 crore, covering:

·       Kandla Port expansion

·       Solar energy initiatives

·       Power transmission upgrades

·       Road infrastructure development

This continued development focus signals Gujarat’s centrality in India’s growth narrative—a reflection of both Modi’s personal political journey and his larger national vision.

A Decade of Delivery, a Future of Aspiration

PM Modi’s speech in Dahod wasn’t just a policy update—it was a reaffirmation of his development-first governance model, rooted in infrastructure, self-reliance, and inclusive growth. The inauguration of massive projects, especially in less-developed tribal districts, shows an intent to bridge the development gap between urban and rural India.

As Modi completes a decade at the helm, Dahod’s ₹24,000 crore package is more than an economic boost—it’s a symbolic milestone of how far the nation has come and where it aims to go.

From locomotives to local governance, the message is clear: India is building, and it’s building to last.

 

(With agency inputs)