Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the groundwork for a series of development projects in Gujarat, collectively valued at approximately ₹35,000 crore. During an event named ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ in Vadodara, Modi emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure and boosting manufacturing. He criticized the previous Congress administration for what he called procrastination in executing major infrastructure initiatives. Modi celebrated the completion of India’s expansive 2,800-km dedicated freight corridors, marking it as a significant advancement in the nation’s transport infrastructure.
Modi addressed detractors of the freight corridor initiative, labeling them “Naraz Fufa” or “angry uncle,” and argued that this modern freight system would curtail travel time, decrease fuel consumption, and lower logistics costs. He emphasized the benefits to trade and agriculture, suggesting that farmers would gain from quicker transport of their produce to prominent markets. The Prime Minister noted the operation of over 430 freight trains daily on the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, highlighting that freight journeys that once required about 30 hours by road can now be completed in just 10–12 hours by rail.
In a political jab, Modi cautioned young people against what he termed “Jhooth Ki Goonj” or “echo of lies,” a reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s youth engagement efforts. He encouraged the youth of India to develop skills in artificial intelligence and pointed to emerging opportunities in sectors such as renewable and nuclear energy. Modi underscored the expansion of domestic manufacturing capabilities for railway coaches, locomotives, and wagons since 2014, along with the growth in solar manufacturing.
Rooftop solar installations, according to Modi, have reached 55 lakh families, with approximately 11 lakh of those households located in Gujarat. He further detailed how infrastructure development across various sectors — including railways, roads, airports, metros, pipelines, and housing — is generating significant employment opportunities. Modi asserted that India is also investing in building the necessary energy and technology ecosystem to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge industries.