Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of development projects valued at approximately ₹35,000 crore in Gujarat on Tuesday, reinforcing the government’s focus on infrastructure and manufacturing. Addressing the audience at the ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ programme in Vadodara, Modi criticized the previous Congress-led administration for what he described as sluggishness in executing major infrastructure initiatives. He emphasized the significance of completing India’s 2,800-km dedicated freight corridors, which he hailed as a pivotal advancement for the nation’s transport infrastructure.
Modi targeted critics of the freight corridor project, humorously labeling them as “Naraz Fufa” (angry uncle), while underscoring the modern freight network’s potential to cut down travel time, fuel usage, and logistics expenses. He explained that the initiative would bolster trade and aid farmers by expediting the transport of agricultural goods to key markets. Highlighting the operational efficiency, he noted that over 430 freight trains now run daily on the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, reducing freight journeys that once took around 30 hours by road to just 10–12 hours on the dedicated rail network.
In a political jab, Modi referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s youth outreach program, cautioning young Indians against what he termed as “Jhooth Ki Goonj” (echo of lies). He encouraged the youth to develop skills in artificial intelligence and pointed out emerging opportunities in sectors such as renewable and nuclear energy. Modi also discussed India’s strides in domestic manufacturing since 2014, particularly in railway coaches, locomotives, and wagons, alongside a notable increase in solar manufacturing, with rooftop solar installations reaching 55 lakh families, including about 11 lakh in Gujarat.
Further emphasizing the economic impact, Modi stated that infrastructure development across railways, roads, airports, metros, pipelines, and housing is generating substantial employment opportunities. He asserted that India is constructing the energy and technology framework necessary to become a global frontrunner in AI and other advanced industries. This comprehensive approach, according to Modi, is setting the stage for India’s ascent as a leader on the global stage.