“140 Crore Indians United in Building a Viksit Bharat”: PM Modi

GG News Bureau
Dahod, 26th May: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod, Gujarat. Marking the day as significant for being the anniversary of his first oath-taking as Prime Minister in 2014, Modi emphasized the unwavering support of the people of Gujarat that has driven his dedication to India’s progress.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s transformation from decades of constraints to an era of confidence and optimism. He said, “140 crore Indians are united in building a Viksit Bharat,” stressing the importance of self-reliance and domestic manufacturing. Modi underscored India’s rising stature in global exports of smartphones, automobiles, defense equipment, medicines, and rail technology.

The Prime Minister proudly flagged off the first electric locomotive manufactured at the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory, a project whose foundation stone he laid three years ago. He announced Gujarat’s achievement of 100% electrification of its railway network, a landmark milestone.

Recalling his deep connection with Dahod, Modi narrated his visits to the region over decades, often traveling by bicycle in his early years to understand local challenges. Highlighting the expansion of India’s railway network, he announced new express train services including a Vande Bharat Express between Ahmedabad and Veraval, emphasizing India’s leadership in railway technology and exports.

He stressed the economic impact of the Dahod locomotive factory, which will manufacture powerful 9,000-horsepower engines and generate significant employment for local youth. Modi noted that the factory would also stimulate small industries producing railway components, benefitting the wider economy.

Modi lauded Gujarat’s progress in education, IT, semiconductors, and tourism, citing the establishment of a major semiconductor plant and the launch of Gati Shakti University in Vadodara. He described the region including Dahod, Vadodara, Godhra, Kalol, and Halol as a high-tech engineering and manufacturing corridor, set to become a global industrial powerhouse.

Focusing on tribal development, Modi highlighted unprecedented efforts over the last 11 years to uplift tribal communities through quality education, health initiatives, and infrastructure projects. He detailed the ‘Dhartii Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ scheme, with an ₹80,000 crore investment to develop over 60,000 tribal villages nationwide.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the national mission to combat sickle cell anemia among tribal populations and the transformation of Dahod from a backward district to an Aspirational District with modern infrastructure and irrigation projects.

Acknowledging the support of thousands of women gathered in Vadodara, Modi paid tribute to the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters and reiterated the nation’s resolve against terrorism. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he called it “not just a military action, but an expression of the values and sentiments of us Indians,” praising the swift and decisive action of India’s armed forces.

Modi emphasized the need for strong armed forces alongside economic development to build a secure and prosperous India. Expressing confidence in Dahod’s future, he congratulated the people and encouraged them to harness the new opportunities for growth.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other dignitaries were present at the event.