Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan, emphasizing transformative infrastructure growth and a resolute stance against terrorism. The event, attended by dignitaries including Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal, saw participation from 18 states and union territories, both in-person and online.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development over the past 11 years, noting that India now invests six times more in infrastructure compared to previous years. He cited iconic projects like the Chenab Bridge, Sela Tunnel, Bogibeel Bridge, Atal Setu, and Pamban Bridge as symbols of India’s modernization drive. The Prime Minister also emphasized railway advancements, including the operation of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains, the elimination of unmanned level crossings, and the modernization of over 1,300 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Over 100 such stations, reflecting local art and heritage, have been completed, with examples like Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Thawe in Bihar showcasing regional culture.
PM Modi underscored that these infrastructure projects drive employment and economic growth, benefiting workers, farmers, and youth. In Rajasthan, Rs 70,000 crore has been invested in road infrastructure over the past decade, with Rs 10,000 crore allocated for railway development this year alone. He flagged off a new Bikaner-Mumbai train and highlighted projects in health, water, and electricity to boost urban and rural progress. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited over 40,000 Rajasthan households, eliminating electricity bills and enabling income through solar power.
The Prime Minister also praised Rajasthan’s industrial growth, driven by Chief Minister Sharma’s policies, positioning the state as a hub for petroleum and food processing industries. He noted the near-completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar economic corridor, which will enhance connectivity and industrial development.
On water management, PM Modi recalled Maharaja Ganga Singh’s legacy and emphasized ongoing irrigation and river-linking projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link, which will benefit multiple districts. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 25 state government projects, including 750 km of state highways, nursing colleges, and water supply initiatives under AMRUT 2.0.
Addressing national security, PM Modi condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy. He detailed Operation Sindoor, a swift response that destroyed nine terrorist hideouts within 22 minutes, showcasing the armed forces’ “Chakravyuh” strategy that forced Pakistan to its knees. The Prime Minister outlined three principles: India’s response to terrorism will be decisive, nuclear threats will not intimidate, and no distinction will be made between terrorists and their state sponsors. He warned that Pakistan would face severe military and economic consequences for any further attacks, emphasizing that trade and talks would focus solely on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
