Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for several development initiatives worth over Rs 34,000 crores at an event at Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering in Azamgarh, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of hosting such programs in locations like Azamgarh rather than the usual venues in Delhi. He said that Azamgarh, which was once considered among the underdeveloped regions, is now scripting a narrative of progress. He emphasised that projects totaling Rs 34,000 crore were either initiated or had their foundation stones laid in Azamgarh today, marking a significant stride towards its development.
Which projects did PM Modi inaugurate today?
In a significant stride for the civil aviation sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for 15 airport projects nationwide, totaling over Rs 9,800 crore. Among these, he inaugurated 12 new Terminal Buildings at airports in Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur. Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for three new Terminal Buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi Airports.
The 12 newly constructed Terminal Buildings are poised to collectively accommodate 620 lakh passengers annually. As for the three Terminal Buildings for which foundation stones are being laid, upon completion, they will elevate the combined passenger capacity of these airports to 95 lakh passengers per annum. These Terminal Buildings boast advanced passenger facilities and incorporate sustainable features such as Double Insulated Roofing System, Canopies for energy conservation, and LED Lighting.
Road projects
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for numerous road projects valued at approximately Rs 11,500 crore in Uttar Pradesh. These projects aim to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and foster socioeconomic advancement in the region.
He also laid the foundation stone for multiple other road projects totaling over Rs 19,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh. Among the projects inaugurated are three segments of the four-lane Lucknow Ring Road and the six-laning of the Chakeri to Allahabad Section of NH-2. Additionally, the Prime Minister initiated the groundwork for the four-laning of the western side spur of Rampur – Rudrapur, two segments of the six-laning of Kanpur Ring Road, and the four-laning of the Raebareli – Prayagraj section of NH-24B/NH-30.
The Prime Minister inaugurated approximately 744 rural road projects, valued at over Rs 3,700 crore, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. These projects collectively span over 5,400 kilometers of rural roads in Uttar Pradesh, benefiting around 59 districts in the state. This initiative is poised to improve connectivity and substantially contribute to socio-economic development.
Light House Project
The Prime Minister unveiled the Light House Project (LHP) in Lucknow and Ranchi, encompassing the construction of over 2,000 affordable flats equipped with modern infrastructure. These LHPs employ innovative construction techniques, promising families a sustainable and futuristic living environment. Previously, similar Light House Projects were inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Chennai, Rajkot, and Indore, with their foundation stones laid on January 1, 2021.
Rail Projects
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for several rail projects totaling approximately Rs 8,200 crore, aimed at bolstering rail infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. Among these, he dedicated the doubling and electrification of several key rail segments and inaugurated the Bhatni-Peokol bypass line, resolving the issue of engine reversal at Bhatni and streamlining train operations. Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the gauge conversion of the Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalganj Road rail section.
Moreover, he inaugurated a new rail line from Ghazipur City to Ghazipur Ghat, including a rail bridge over the river Ganga, and flagged off the MEMU train service between Ghazipur City, Tarighat, and Dildar Nagar Jn.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated several sewage treatment plants and other infrastructure projects in Prayagraj, Jaunpur, and Etawah.