Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined the significant infrastructure developments taking place across the state, asserting that modern infrastructure is transforming Maharashtra.
Addressing a crowd, Modi emphasised the government’s efforts to modernise the railway network and highlighted the state’s success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
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“Modern infrastructure is being built in Maharashtra… In this entire region, the railway is being modernised. Maharashtra has attracted the maximum FDI after the formation of the Mahayuti govt. The people have benefited due to the investment. In this region alone, contracts of more than Rs 70,000 crore have been finalised,” he said.
With the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly set to vote on November 20 and the results to be counted on November 23, Modi stressed their commitment to uplifting marginalised and economically disadvantaged communities, particularly those who had been neglected by the Congress party.
PM Modi also highlighted the government’s key social welfare initiatives, including the distribution of free monthly rations to economically disadvantaged families. “Over 80 crore citizens across India have benefited from these schemes. In Raigad alone, 18 lakh people have benefited from free ration distribution,” he said.
On the economic front, Modi outlined plans for Maharashtra’s infrastructural revolution, citing major projects such as the Atal Setu sea bridge, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Vadhavan Port, and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. He described these developments as pivotal to positioning Maharashtra as a hub of growth.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Maharashtra’s emerging role as a tech hub in Asia, with Rs 30,000 crore being invested in a Data Centre Park in Raigad. Furthermore, he assured continued support for coastal communities, particularly the fishing industry, with a Rs 1,000-crore package to modernize navigation and improve boats, along with support for the blue economy.
PM Modi also highlighted government schemes like the PM Awas Yojana, where homes are registered in women’s names, and the Lakhpati Didi programme, which has empowered many women financially.
The election campaign continues to gain momentum as voters head to the polls in just a few days, with both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties intensifying their efforts.