On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and initiated developmental projects amounting to approximately ₹35,000 crore in Gujarat, underscoring the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure and manufacturing. At the ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ event in Vadodara, Modi criticized the previous Congress-led administration, accusing it of procrastination in executing major infrastructure initiatives. He celebrated the completion of India’s 2,800-km dedicated freight corridors as a significant achievement in the country’s transportation framework.
Modi addressed detractors of the freight corridor, humorously dubbing them “Naraz Fufa” or “angry uncle” and emphasized that the modern freight system is designed to cut travel time, lower fuel use, and reduce logistics expenses. This, he stated, would bolster trade and aid farmers by speeding up the delivery of agricultural goods to key markets. According to the Prime Minister, more than 430 freight trains are currently operating each day on the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors. He highlighted that journeys that used to take about 30 hours by road can now be completed in 10 to 12 hours using the dedicated rail network.
In a political jab, Modi referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s youth engagement program, cautioning the younger generation against what he termed as “Jhooth Ki Goonj” or the “echo of lies.” He encouraged Indian youth to gain proficiency in artificial intelligence, pointing out opportunities in sectors such as renewable and nuclear energy. Modi noted that since 2014, India has greatly increased its domestic production of railway coaches, locomotives, and wagons.
Highlighting progress in solar energy, Modi mentioned that rooftop solar installations had reached 55 lakh families, with about 11 lakh of these in Gujarat alone. He also spoke on the broader infrastructure growth across various sectors including railways, roads, airports, metros, pipelines, and housing, which he claimed is generating substantial employment opportunities. Modi asserted that India is building the necessary energy and technology ecosystem to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and other advanced industries.