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Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a comprehensive vision for India's future, emphasizing the nation's unwavering commitment to building state-of-the-art infrastructure as a cornerstone of its development strategy. Speaking at a program in Bikaner, where he virtually inaugurated 103 Amrit Stations across the country, Modi underscored the substantial investments being made in modernizing India's railway network, road infrastructure, and other critical sectors. This ambitious undertaking, he asserted, reflects the country's renewed speed and progress on the path to becoming a developed nation. The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative impact of initiatives such as the Vande Bharat train, which now operates on nearly 70 routes, connecting far-flung areas and enhancing connectivity across the country. He also noted the extensive construction of road overbridges and underbridges, the laying of new railway tracks, and the ongoing work on India's first bullet train project, all of which are contributing to a more efficient and modern transportation system. Modi emphasized the government's focus on modernizing railway stations, renaming them as Amrit Bharat Stations, and transforming them into symbols of local art, culture, and India's rich heritage. These stations, he explained, are not only providing enhanced passenger amenities but also promoting tourism and creating new employment opportunities. He said that the money the government spends to build infrastructure also creates employment and business. "This money is going into the pockets of labourers, it is being given to shopkeepers. It is being given to factory workers. The people, who transport stones, gravel, cement etc. and those who drive trucks and tempos also benefit from it," he added. Modi emphasized the cascading benefits of infrastructure development, citing how it enables farmers to transport their produce to market at lower costs, reduces wastage, attracts new industries, and boosts tourism. Furthermore, he highlighted the significant benefits that the state of Rajasthan is reaping from ongoing infrastructure projects, noting the construction of high-quality roads across villages and even in border areas. He stated that approximately Rs 70,000 crore has been invested in Rajasthan's road infrastructure alone over the past 11 years, and that the Central government is set to spend nearly Rs 10,000 crore on railway development in the state this year, a 15-fold increase compared to pre-2014 levels. The Prime Minister also mentioned the refinery project in Rajasthan, which is nearing completion and will position the state as a key hub for petroleum-based industries. Furthermore, he highlighted the rapid progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Rajasthan, with over 40,000 people already benefiting from this initiative, eliminating their electricity bills and generating income through solar power. He emphasized the increasing power generation in the state, which is playing a crucial role in accelerating industrial growth. Modi also addressed the critical importance of water for the region and its role in advancing the development of areas such as Bikaner, Shri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and western Rajasthan, stating that the government is actively working on completing irrigation projects and implementing river-linking initiatives, such as the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project, which will benefit multiple districts across Rajasthan, ensuring better agricultural prospects for farmers and enhancing the region's sustainability. During the program, Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore to the nation, including 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations in 86 districts across 18 states and Union Territories, developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. Over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, designed to reflect regional architecture and enhance passenger amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Bikaner’s Deshnok railway station was also inaugurated during the program. Inspired by temple architecture, the revamped Deshnok station located near the Karni Mata temple will cater to thousands of pilgrims visiting the shrine each year. The prime minister also flagged-off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express from Deshnok station. This holistic approach to infrastructure development, coupled with a focus on sustainable practices and community engagement, underscores the government's commitment to building a modern and prosperous India for all its citizens.
The scale of investment that Prime Minister Modi has outlined is significant. Rs 70,000 crore in Rajasthan's road infrastructure over 11 years represents a substantial commitment to improving connectivity within the state. The projected Rs 10,000 crore spend on railway development this year, a 15-fold increase, highlights the emphasis on modernizing and expanding the rail network. Furthermore, the Rs 26,000 crore worth of development projects inaugurated, laying foundation stones for, and dedicating to the nation is a considerable injection of funds into various sectors. The redevelopment of 103 Amrit Stations at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore demonstrates the government's focus on improving passenger amenities and transforming railway stations into symbols of local culture and heritage. It's also worth noting the detail that over 1,300 stations are planned for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, indicating a long-term commitment to upgrading railway infrastructure across the country. These investments are intended to have a ripple effect throughout the economy. The infrastructure projects create employment opportunities for laborers, shopkeepers, factory workers, and those involved in transportation. Improved infrastructure reduces transportation costs for farmers, enables the establishment of new industries, and boosts tourism. The refinery project in Rajasthan will contribute to the state's industrial development. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides financial benefits to households while promoting solar energy generation. The Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project aims to improve agricultural prospects and enhance regional sustainability. The focus on developing border areas with high-quality roads has strategic implications, ensuring better connectivity and accessibility in these regions. These combined impacts are expected to contribute to economic growth, improved living standards, and enhanced regional development.
Beyond the quantifiable figures, the initiative encompasses a broader strategic vision that aligns with the concept of comprehensive national power. The focus on infrastructure development reflects an understanding that a robust and modern transportation network is vital for economic competitiveness, enabling the efficient movement of goods and people, attracting investment, and facilitating trade. The emphasis on railway modernization, including the introduction of high-speed trains and the redevelopment of railway stations, is not only about improving passenger experience but also about enhancing national prestige and demonstrating technological prowess. The integration of local art and culture into the design of Amrit Bharat Stations showcases a commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich heritage, fostering a sense of national identity and pride. The focus on renewable energy initiatives, such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and energy security. By promoting solar energy generation, the government aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and improve energy access in rural areas. The efforts to improve water resources management, including irrigation projects and river-linking initiatives, address a critical challenge for the region and contribute to agricultural productivity and food security. The attention given to border areas reflects a concern for national security and regional stability. By constructing high-quality roads in these areas, the government aims to improve connectivity, facilitate troop movement, and enhance border surveillance. Overall, the infrastructure development initiatives are not merely about building roads, railways, and power plants; they are about building a stronger, more prosperous, and more secure India. They are about creating a favorable environment for economic growth, improving the quality of life for citizens, and projecting India's influence on the global stage.
The Prime Minister's address in Bikaner highlights a multifaceted approach to national development, where infrastructure plays a pivotal role. The scale of investment, the strategic focus on various sectors, and the integration of sustainable practices underscore the government's commitment to transforming India into a modern and prosperous nation. The benefits extend beyond economic gains, encompassing social, environmental, and security dimensions. The emphasis on local art, culture, and heritage, alongside the focus on renewable energy and water resources management, demonstrates a holistic understanding of development that considers both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. The commitment to improving infrastructure in border areas reflects a concern for national security and regional stability. These initiatives collectively contribute to building a stronger, more resilient, and more influential India on the global stage. The vision articulated by Prime Minister Modi is not simply about building physical infrastructure; it is about building a foundation for a more prosperous and secure future for all Indians.
Source: Huge effort is underway to build modern infrastructure for developed India: PM Modi