Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday outlined various initiatives including a six-fold increase in the budget since 2014, assuring the nation that in the next five years, the transformation of railways will exceed their expectations.
Speaking at the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for several railway projects, Modi asserted his government’s determination to improve the railway system significantly.
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“Now Railways development is among the top priorities of the government. The work of these 10 years (of being in power) is just a trailer. I have a long way to go,” PM Modi remarked, as ANI reported.
He further added, “For us, the development projects are not to form a government, but to form a Viksit Bharat. Our future generations should not face the struggles which were faced by us. In our 10 years, we have also created eastern and western dedicated freight corridors. This demand was delayed by Congress for decades… Freight corridors are working as a catalyst for the creation of industrial corridors.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of railways in a nation’s development and economic competitiveness, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Vande Bharat train network now covers over 250 districts, and they’re working to make it even bigger. The government is also ensuring that all railways run on 100 percent electricity, and even stations will use solar power. Along with that, they’re setting up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in railway stations, creating a system that promotes products made in India.
PM Modi also shed light on dynamic changes in the railways, including rapid track laying, the redevelopment of more than 1300 railway stations, and the introduction of next-generation trains such as Vande Bharat, NaMo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat.
“Post-independence, the governments prioritised political gains over social welfare which impacted the railway sector the most. 10 years ago, the capitals of 6 northeastern states lacked railway stations. Our government has completely transformed the landscape of the railway sector. Prioritising the sector, we increased the average railway budget 6 times as compared to the budget before 2014” the PM added.
Addressing the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy, the Prime Minister noted the increased construction of cargo terminals, simplified online land leasing policies, and the establishment of Gati Shakti University, promoting transparency in the sector.
Earlier, the Prime Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects valued at over Rs 1,06,000 crores at the Dedicated Freight Corridor’s Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
These projects cover various sectors, including railway infrastructure, connectivity, and petrochemicals. Additionally, he inaugurated 10 new Vande Bharat trains.
(With ANI Inputs)