Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several development projects in Gujarat on Tuesday, with a total investment of approximately ₹35,000 crore. Speaking at the ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ event in Vadodara, he emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and boosting manufacturing. Modi criticized the previous Congress-led administration for its perceived inefficiencies in rolling out key infrastructure projects, contrasting it with his government’s achievements, such as the completion of India’s 2,800-kilometer dedicated freight corridors.
Highlighting the significance of this modern freight network, Modi stated it represents a transformative step for India’s transportation system. He noted that the dedicated freight corridors would significantly cut down travel time, fuel costs, and logistics expenses, thereby strengthening trade and benefiting farmers by ensuring quicker delivery of agricultural products to major markets. Taking a swipe at the project’s critics, whom he dubbed “Naraz Fufa” or “angry uncle,” Modi defended the initiative’s benefits for the economy.
The Prime Minister provided further insights into the freight corridor’s impact, revealing that more than 430 freight trains now operate daily on the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors. He illustrated the network’s efficiency by explaining that freight journeys, which previously took about 30 hours by road, could now be completed in 10 to 12 hours by rail. Modi also took the opportunity to caution young Indians against what he called “Jhooth Ki Goonj” or the “echo of lies,” a reference aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s youth outreach efforts.
Modi encouraged the youth to pursue skills in artificial intelligence and highlighted the vast opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy sectors. Since 2014, he said, India has made considerable strides in domestic manufacturing of railway coaches, locomotives, and wagons. He also pointed out significant growth in solar energy, with rooftop installations reaching 55 lakh families nationwide, including around 11 lakh in Gujarat alone.
Concluding his address, Modi underlined the broad scope of infrastructure development across various sectors such as railways, roads, airports, metros, pipelines, and housing, which he claimed were creating substantial employment opportunities. He reiterated India’s strategic advancements in building the necessary energy and technology ecosystems to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge industries.