New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stones for a series of development projects in Gujarat and Daman, stressing sustainable growth, infrastructure expansion, and inclusive development.
Addressing a public gathering in Surat, Modi thanked the people of Gujarat for their continued support and described the recent local body election results as a mandate for greater public service.
He said the vision of a developed Gujarat and a developed India could be achieved only through the progress of every village, district, and city.
On World Environment Day, the PM highlighted Surat’s transformation from a city once affected by a plague outbreak to one known nationally for cleanliness. He praised the collective efforts of citizens, public representatives, and officials in driving that change.
Modi said Surat has emerged as a model for balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability. He pointed to initiatives such as wastewater recycling for industrial use, the waste-to-wealth movement, and the approved Tapi Barrage Project. He also highlighted plans for electric mobility, metro expansion, and green steel production in the Hazira industrial region using renewable energy.
Referring to global challenges such as the pandemic, international conflicts, and energy disruptions, Modi said India had demonstrated resilience during a difficult decade. He noted that Gujarat contributes nearly one-fifth of the country’s renewable energy capacity and is well positioned to lead emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and green ammonia, according to an official statement.
Modi also underscored the importance of major infrastructure projects, including the Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, and the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. He said these initiatives would strengthen industry, trade, and connectivity across the region, including tribal areas.
Modi further inaugurated a new ESIC hospital in Surat, saying it would improve healthcare access for workers and migrant families.
Later in the day, the prime minister inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 2,970 crore in Daman.
He described Daman as a “Mini India” and praised the pace of development across Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The projects cover sectors such as connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure.
Highlighting India’s economic performance, Modi cited the country’s 7.8% GDP growth in the final quarter and attributed it to infrastructure investment and welfare-focused reforms.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, he lauded Diu for powering all government buildings through solar energy. He also encouraged wider adoption of rooftop solar systems and environmental conservation initiatives.
The PM said major projects such as Namo Airport, the Damanganga bridge, and Transport Nagar would boost connectivity, trade, and logistics while strengthening the region’s long-term growth prospects.
He also outlined the government’s focus on healthcare, education, tourism, and skill development. Modi highlighted the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the expansion of medical infrastructure, and the establishment of new educational institutions, including a National Institute of Fashion Technology campus.
Emphasising opportunities for youth, he said specialised training in sectors such as drones, information technology, and renewable energy would help prepare India’s future workforce.
Modi also highlighted the success of initiatives such as Khelo India and tourism campaigns that are promoting local culture, heritage, and economic activity.
Concluding his address, Modi expressed confidence in the capabilities of the country’s youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the region’s continued development.
