PM Modi in Vadodara: Inaugurates Projects Worth 35200 Crore, Highlights Chip to Ship Manufacturing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday to mark a significant milestone in India's developmental journey by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for various projects valued at 35200 crore. This visit wasn't just about infrastructure but also about connecting with the future of the country, as the Prime Minister engaged in a meaningful dialogue with more than 6000 Gen-Z youth. Addressing the 'Namo for Viksit Bharat' program, PM Modi stated that his presence in Vadodara was aimed at providing further momentum to the journey toward a developed India. He took the opportunity to reflect on the transformation in India's manufacturing and administrative landscape, contrasting the current progress with the delays of the past.

Empowering the Youth and the AI Revolution

Addressing the young audience, PM Modi remarked that while voices of falsehood might be found at every corner, the youth of India stands firmly with the roar of truth. He spoke extensively about the transformation of the education system, which is being redesigned to meet modern demands. The Prime Minister stressed that it's essential for Indian youth to become proficient in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He pointed out that while degrees are important, having skills is a much greater necessity in the current global landscape. To become a superpower in AI, PM Modi asserted that the entire ecosystem must be transformed, while he urged the youth to keep the goal of a Developed India by 2047 as their topmost priority, stating that the nation must achieve this target at all costs.

Completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor

A major highlight of the event was the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project. PM Modi announced that more than 2800 km of the DFC project has now been completed. He described this as a historic achievement for 21st century India. The Prime Minister linked this to the 'Saptadhara' (seven streams) of resolve for a Developed India, which he had mentioned from the Red Fort, while one of these streams is 'Gatishakti' (speed and power of connectivity). He noted that for a developed nation, connectivity must be both easy and fast, while vadodara, being the home of the Gatishakti University, played a central role in this vision. The final links of the DFC were connected today, marking a transition in India's logistics capabilities.

Criticism of Previous Administrative Culture

PM Modi used the DFC project as an example to illustrate how the work culture in the country has changed over the last 12 years. He recalled that the idea for the Dedicated Freight Corridor was first conceived in 2004. A special purpose vehicle (company) was formed in 2006 to execute the work. However, from 2006 until 2014, the project saw little to no physical progress. Instead, files merely moved from one desk to another. He remarked sarcastically that while the files were traveling across tables, they never found a 'dedicated corridor' to reach their destination. He noted that when the people of Vadodara and Gujarat sent him to Delhi in 2014, the reality was that not even 1 kilometer of the freight corridor had been constructed in 7-8 years. He argued that if the country had continued at that pace, it would have taken 3-4 generations to complete the project.

Transforming India's Logistics and Trade

The Prime Minister credited the lessons he learned from the land of Gujarat and Vadodara for the speed at which his government worked after 2014. Upon reaching Delhi, the administration prioritized the DFC, leading to the completion of the 2800 km corridor today. Both the Eastern and Western Freight Corridors are now becoming the backbone of India's trade and business operations. PM Modi congratulated the citizens for the foundation laying and inauguration of these multi-crore projects. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the citizens of Vadodara for their service-oriented welcome and the cleanliness drive they conducted throughout the city to celebrate this development festival.