In a landmark event for Maharashtra’s infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, spanning from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey (JVLR section) on Sunday. The Rs 14,120 crore project marks the state’s first underground metro, significantly improving connectivity in Mumbai’s bustling metropolitan area.

The inauguration took place in Thane, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in attendance. In addition to unveiling the metro line, PM Modi launched several key development initiatives across the state.

Major Projects Launched

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for a variety of transformative projects, including:

  • Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project and Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension: These projects aim to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across Mumbai and its suburbs.
  • Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project: This initiative focuses on planned urban development around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, boosting infrastructure and growth in the region.
  • Unified Genomic Chip for Cattle and Indigenous Sex-Sorted Semen Technology: These innovations are set to modernise the animal husbandry sector, improving cattle breeding processes in the state.

Additionally, PM Modi announced the launch of more than 7,500 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), worth Rs 1,920 crore, which aims to strengthen the agrarian economy. This includes 5 solar parks with a combined capacity of 19 MW under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana, which will provide farmers with sustainable energy solutions.

Support for Farmers and Rural Development

In a massive boost to farmers, PM Modi released the 18th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, disbursing Rs 20,000 crore to around 9.4 crore farmers across the country. He also inaugurated 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with a combined turnover of ₹1,300 crore, aimed at empowering small and marginal farmers.

During the event, PM Modi highlighted the BJP-led government’s commitment to making India’s farmers self-reliant and reducing poverty in rural areas. He emphasized the government’s focus on backward communities, particularly the Banjaras and Adivasis, stating that under the previous Congress regime, these groups were neglected.

PM Modi also took a moment to recognise the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which eligible women receive Rs 1,500 per month, demonstrating his administration’s focus on supporting women’s empowerment and welfare.

In another notable event on Saturday, the Prime Minister visited Washim district to inaugurate the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohradevi, a significant cultural center for the Banjara (nomadic tribe) community. While there, he was seen playing the traditional instrument, Nangara, in a tribute to Banjara culture. “Our Government will make every effort to popularize this rich heritage,” he posted on social media platform X.

PM Modi’s jibe at Congress

In his speech in Washim, PM Modi took aim at the Congress party, accusing them of exploiting poverty and backwardness for political gain. “Congress has a foreign mindset and wants to keep farmers, Dalits, Adivasis, and other backward communities in poverty for their benefit,” he said, adding that the BJP, in contrast, aims to bring development and self-reliance to these communities.

PM Modi also claimed that the Congress is linked to urban naxals and those involved in drug rackets, accusing them of leading youth astray. “Congress wants to push our youth into vices, but the BJP will always fight to make a stronger, self-reliant India,” he declared.

The launch of Mumbai Metro Line-3 and the plethora of development projects signal a new era of growth and infrastructure for Maharashtra. Prime Minister Modi’s focus on urban development, rural welfare, and cultural inclusivity highlights his government’s continued efforts to modernise the state while keeping its heritage intact.