Balotra(Rajasthan), 04 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched various development projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore in Balotra, Rajasthan. The projects span multiple sectors, including petrochemicals, urban transport, railways, roads, renewable energy and power transmission, and are aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening connectivity and boosting economic growth in the state.

The projects were unveiled during a public programme in Balotra district as part of the Centre's efforts to modernise infrastructure and promote industrial development. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the initiatives are expected to improve connectivity, strengthen energy security, create employment opportunities and enhance the quality of life for people across Rajasthan.

Prime Minister Modi dedicated the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at Pachpadra to the nation. Developed at a cost of over Rs 72,000 crore, the greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex is among India's largest energy infrastructure projects. With a refining capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum, the refinery is expected to enhance domestic fuel production, reduce dependence on imports and generate significant direct and indirect employment.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also launched the Modified UDAN Scheme with an outlay of Rs 28,840 crore to strengthen regional air connectivity over the next decade. He inaugurated the newly built terminal at Jodhpur Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 480 crore, to improve passenger facilities and support the rapid growth of the aviation sector.

The development package also includes railway projects to improve passenger and freight movement, road infrastructure projects to strengthen logistics and connectivity, and renewable energy and power transmission projects to enhance electricity infrastructure and support India's clean energy transition.

The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, senior officials of the Central and Rajasthan governments, and representatives of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar