PM Modi Inaugurates and Dedicates Development Projects Worth Rs. 5,400 Crore in Ahmedabad; Calls for Self-Reliance and Festive Joy Made in India.
Ahmedabad:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated to the nation a series of development projects worth Rs. 5,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of self-reliance, economic progress, and public welfare, while invoking the spiritual and patriotic legacy of Gujarat.
Highlighting the national spirit during Ganeshotsav, PM Modi said that the launch of development initiatives today is an auspicious beginning for Gujarat’s future. He extended congratulations to citizens and acknowledged the state’s ongoing challenges due to intense monsoon rains, cloudbursts, and flooding in various parts of the country. He expressed condolences to affected families and assured that both Central and State Governments are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
Referring to Gujarat as the land of two great Mohans—Sudarshan Chakradhari Mohan (Lord Krishna of Dwarka) and Charkhadhari Mohan (Mahatma Gandhi)—the Prime Minister said that India is becoming stronger by walking on the path shown by both. He emphasized that today’s India does not spare terrorists or their handlers, citing Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the armed forces’ strength and resolve.
Invoking Gandhiji’s legacy, the Prime Minister criticized previous governments for ignoring the Swadeshi mantra and keeping the country dependent on imports. He stated that the present government has placed self-reliance at the core of national development, empowering farmers, entrepreneurs, and livestock rearers—especially in Gujarat, which has a strong dairy sector.
PM Modi reiterated that his government will not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, farmers, or livestock rearers, stressing that their welfare is a top priority. He hailed Gujarat’s pivotal role in advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign, attributing this success to two decades of consistent efforts.
The Prime Minister recalled past unrest in Gujarat and noted how Ahmedabad has transformed into one of India’s safest and most industrially vibrant cities. He pointed out that all types of industries—from locomotives to electric vehicles, aircraft components to pharmaceuticals—are flourishing in the state. He announced that Vadodara has begun manufacturing transport aircraft and highlighted Gujarat’s growing reputation in the semiconductor, textile, green energy, and petrochemical sectors.
Stressing the need for robust infrastructure, the PM detailed newly inaugurated rail and road projects. He noted the widening of Sardar Patel Ring Road and rural road upgrades that will benefit farmers and reduce urban congestion. New underpasses and overbridges will further ease travel in the city.
On urban transport, he recalled the days of outdated red buses, contrasting them with today’s modern BRTS, AC-electric buses, and expanding metro network. He celebrated the electrification of Gujarat’s entire railway network and noted the laying of nearly 3,000 km of new rail lines in the last 11 years.
Focusing on the urban poor, he highlighted the government’s commitment to providing dignified housing. He mentioned the allocation of 1,500 permanent homes near Sabarmati Ashram and the transformation of Ramapir No Tekro into a model residential area. Renovation of the Ashram is also underway to make it a global symbol of peace.
PM Modi shared the success of the PM SVANidhi scheme, under which 70 lakh street vendors and cart-pullers across India have received financial assistance, including lakhs in Gujarat. He emphasized that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the past 11 years, resulting in the rise of a new middle class.
He announced tax reforms to benefit this segment, including zero tax on annual income up to Rs. 12 lakh and upcoming GST reforms to ease the burden on small businesses. He promised a “double bonus of happiness” this Diwali for traders and families alike.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he stated that over 6 lakh families in Gujarat have already joined the initiative, receiving over Rs. 3,000 crore in government support and reducing their electricity bills to zero.
Celebrating Ahmedabad’s evolution, PM Modi recalled how it was once mocked as “Gardabad” due to dust and poor sanitation. Today, it is recognized for cleanliness, tourism, and infrastructure. He cited the rejuvenation of the Sabarmati Riverfront and Kankaria Lake, both now major urban attractions. The Kankaria Carnival has become a new cultural identity for the city.
He highlighted Ahmedabad’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City, its emergence as a concert economy hub, and its capability to host international events, citing the recent Coldplay concert and the large-capacity stadium.
Concluding, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to treat the upcoming festive season—Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dhanteras, and Diwali—as festivals of self-reliance. He urged all Indians to buy only Made in India products, adding that “a true gift is one made in India.”
The event was attended by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister C. R. Patil, and other dignitaries.
