2 Amrit Bharat trains connect UP-Maharastra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth around Rs.6,350 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s participation in the country’s policy-making and develop India relentlessly.
Two Amrit Bharat trains, from Kashi to Pune and Ayodhya to Mumbai, were flagged off, providing modern connectivity options for people across Maharashtra. “These connections will further improve connectivity between UP and Maharashtra, giving people another modern option to reach Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Dham,” PM Modi said.
Emphasising the critical role of women in nation-building, the Prime Minister described Nari Shakti as the strongest pillar of Viksit Bharat. He sought the blessings of the gathering for achieving a major national goal, implementing reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. “I assure you that I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring your reservation right becomes reality,” affirmed PM Modi.
Outlining the government’s citizen-centric approach with the mantra of “Nagarik Devo Bhava,” the Prime Minister emphasised that education, earnings, healthcare, irrigation, and grievance redressal remain the top priorities. He noted that with this sentiment, Kashi’s development has been expanded today with multiple significant projects. “The signature bridge being built on the Ganga will strengthen Purvanchal’s connectivity,” observed Shri Modi.
Pointing out Kashi’s emergence as a major health hub for North and Eastern India over the past decade, the Prime Minister stated that the 500-bed multi-super speciality hospital will further strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. Additionally, he mentioned that the foundation stone for a 100-bed critical care block has also been laid. “This will add a massive facility in Kashi for treating serious illnesses,” he observed.
Describing the comprehensive and sensitive nature of Kashi’s development, the Prime Minister listed various initiatives including cleaning of the Ganga, development of ghats, construction of governance buildings, storage facilities for farmers in Harhua and Bhawanipur, old age homes, and women’s hostels.
Emphasising the continuous campaign to strengthen Kashi’s heritage and legacy, the Prime Minister highlighted the development of Sant Kabir Sthali and restoration of Sant Ravidas Park in Nagwa as integral parts of this effort. “These are part of our ongoing campaign to preserve and strengthen our heritage,” stated PM Modi.
Concluding his address by drawing a parallel between Kashi’s eternal nature and the ongoing development campaign, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the gathering for their blessings while extending best wishes for the development works being undertaken. “Our Kashi is imperishable and runs continuously, similarly, this campaign of development is also continuously dynamic,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
In Sikkim, the Prime Minister highlighted that over 30 projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and had foundation stones laid on 28 April, covering roads, power, tourism, health, and education sectors. Special attention has been given to challenges faced in North Sikkim areas after 2023, particularly in restoring connectivity that was affected. “We have focused on strengthening connectivity wherever it was impacted,” highlighted PM Modi.
He pointed out that hundreds of kilometers of highways have been constructed in recent years, and work is progressing rapidly to extend roads to every village. Modern infrastructure that was once unimaginable is now becoming reality. “That is why we are focusing most on Sikkim’s connectivity and infrastructure,” emphasised PM Modi.
Highlighting major connectivity projects, the Prime Minister listed the Bagdogra-Gangtok expressway and the Sevok-Rangpo rail line as crucial links connecting Sikkim with the entire country. New national highways are being constructed, and essential future projects like ring roads in cities such as Gangtok are also progressing. “Work is advancing in this direction as well.”
Taking the example of the Sevok-Rangpo rail line, which received approval in 2008-09 but remained stuck in files with no ground work, he noted that development regained momentum after the current government came to power at the Centre. “For the first time, railways are reaching Sikkim,” he pointed out.
Emphasizing the need for new ideas to promote tourism, the Prime Minister highlighted the construction of ropeways at Bhaleydhunga, Yen-Yeng, and Pelling, along with a skywalk being constructed at Bhaleydhunga and preparations for a glass deck skywalk at Singshore Bridge as examples of innovative thinking. Work is also progressing to enhance border experiences at places like Nathula and Namli. “These efforts will make your lives easier, increase tourist numbers, boost your income, and create more employment opportunities,” assured PM Modi.
The Prime Minister noted Sikkim’s vast potential in clean energy, which must be utilized while preserving the environment.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for collective effort to accelerate Sikkim’s development and contribute to the dream of Viksit Bharat. Fiinews.com
