Ahmedabad, August 25(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple high-impact development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, underscoring a significant boost to the state’s infrastructure, industrial growth, and social welfare sectors. The ambitious initiatives span railways, roads, power distribution, urban housing, green energy, and advanced manufacturing, positioning Gujarat as a pivotal hub in India’s self-reliance and economic progress narrative.
Addressing a large public gathering, PM Modi invoked Gujarat’s historic legacy as the land of two Mohans—Lord Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi—linking their principles of justice, security, and self-reliance to India’s contemporary strength. He emphasized India’s firm stand against terrorism and highlighted Gujarat’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse for electric vehicles, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and emerging green energy sectors like solar, wind, and nuclear power.
Key infrastructure developments unveiled include doubling and gauge conversion of critical rail lines worth over Rs 1,400 crore to enhance connectivity for commuters, industries, and pilgrims. Major road widening projects and new six-lane underpasses will ease traffic congestion and improve transport efficiency. The modernization of power distribution networks, valued at more than Rs 1,000 crore, targets reduced outages and improved reliability for over four lakh consumers in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar.
Social welfare prominently featured in the launch, with dedicated urban slum redevelopment projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), permanent housing for the urban poor, and financial empowerment of street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme. The PM also spotlighted efforts to bring electricity bills to near zero for six lakh families in Gujarat under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Reiterating commitment to small entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock rearers,PM Modi announced tax reforms expected to benefit middle-class families and small businesses, promising a double festive bonus this Diwali. The Prime Minister celebrated Ahmedabad’s transformation into a clean, green, and culturally dynamic city, highlighting the revamped Sabarmati Riverfront, rejuvenated Kankaria Lake, and the city’s growing prominence in tourism and large-scale concerts, such as the recent Coldplay event at the one-lakh seat stadium.
PM Modi called on citizens to embrace Made-in-India products this festive season, framing the gesture as a tribute to India’s prosperity and the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision. The event was graced by dignitaries including Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel.
These projects represent a comprehensive developmental vision aiming to accelerate Gujarat’s economic growth, enhance public welfare, and promote sustainable progress as a model state for India’s future.
Key Projects Launched:
-Doubling and gauge conversion of rail lines worth Rs 1,400 crore for enhanced regional connectivity.
-Widening of Viramgam-Khudrad-Rampura road and construction of six-lane vehicle underpasses.
-Power distribution network modernization projects in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar worth over Rs 1,000 crore.
-Slum redevelopment and permanent housing schemes under PMAY (U).
-New administrative infrastructure including a Stamps and Registration building and a state-level Data Storage Centre.
-Initiatives to boost manufacturing of electric vehicles, semiconductor components, and expansion in pharmaceutical exports.
-Development of tourism infrastructure and heritage site renovations in Ahmedabad.
This concerted push marks Gujarat’s steady march toward being an economic and industrial powerhouse on India’s national stage.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
