India produced 50,000 rail coaches and introduced nearly 2.5 lakh wagons
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation development projects worth more than Rs.35,000 crore in Vadodara, and mark the historic completion of the 2,800-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor.
He also celebrated the successful execution of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors which are now fundamentally transforming the commercial landscape. He noted that these networks are rapidly becoming the bedrock of the nation’s commerce. “We gave it momentum and demonstrated it by completing the work of the 2,800-kilometer corridor,” asserted PM Modi.
Elaborating on the transformative impact of this new national lifeline, the Prime Minister detailed how separating passenger and freight traffic allows over 430 cargo trains to run daily, slashing a 30-hour truck journey to just 10-12 hours.
He explained that covering 100 kilometers now takes less than half the previous time, saving fuel, reducing freight charges, and protecting the environment. “The investment was made on one track, but it yielded numerous benefits,” noted PM Modi.
Highlighting the profound agricultural benefits of the expanded logistics network, the Prime Minister explained how farmers across Eastern and Western India can now swiftly transport perishable goods to larger markets. He emphasized that sensitive items like seasonal flowers, vegetables, and fruits are finally reaching consumers and mandis right on time. “This has immensely benefited the farmers,” he remarked.
Sharing a remarkable operational milestone on the new corridor, the Prime Minister praised the successful deployment of a double-stack container freight train from JNPT Port to Vadodara. He pointed out that this single train journey efficiently transported cargo equivalent to more than 250 trucks straight from Mumbai. “Large quantities of goods will now be able to reach from one corner of the country to another rapidly,” observed the PM.
The Prime Minister underscored his administration’s continuous rollout of new rail services that are finally penetrating isolated tribal regions across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He celebrated a newly launched train that will immensely benefit commuters traveling to Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur. “Rail is now reaching those parts of India where it had not reached for decades,” he asserted.
Detailing the massive macroeconomic ripple effects of infrastructure development spanning roads, metros, airports, and gas pipelines, the Prime Minister cited the historic railway budget of over Rs.2.75 lakh crore as a primary engine for generating millions of employment opportunities. He explained that building houses for the poor and expanding ports naturally incubates new industries and businesses in the surrounding areas. “The expenditure happening on the modernization of the railways is creating thousands upon thousands of new jobs,” affirmed PM Modi.
Transitioning to the manufacturing pillar of his ‘Saptadhara’ vision, the Prime Minister lauded Vadodara’s 150-year legacy of industrial evolution from textiles to petrochemicals, and its massive growth as an MSME hub over the last two decades. He proudly acknowledged the city’s crowning achievement as the birthplace of India’s first domestically manufactured military transport aircraft. “The first flight of the C-295 aircraft has already seen the sky here,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Illustrating the country’s surging industrial capacity over the past decade, the Prime Minister presented robust statistics showcasing India’s transformation into a major global manufacturer of modern railway coaches, wagons, and locomotive engines. He specified that since 2014, the nation has successfully produced 50,000 modern coaches and introduced nearly 2.5 lakh wagons to the railway network. “India has become a major manufacturer of rail coaches, metro coaches, and rail engines,” he noted.
Championing the drive toward total self-reliance across critical supply chains, the Prime Minister highlighted the domestic production of solar PV modules which slashed previously exorbitant import costs and built a massive 200 GW capacity. He celebrated the success of the Kadana Dam floating solar project and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has empowered 55 lakh families nationwide, including 11 lakh in Gujarat, to become electricity producers and generate immense local employment. “India is now writing a new saga of manufacturing from chip to ship,” the PM asserted.
Emphasizing the strategic necessity of a robust electric ecosystem to power emerging technologies like data centers and artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister confirmed that international agreements for uranium, critical minerals, and rare earth elements are being actively secured. He stated that creating this essential infrastructure is critical if the nation is to become a global superpower in AI. “All this hard work is being done solely to secure the future of the country’s youth,” asserted PM Modi.
Addressing the shifting paradigms of the modern global economy, the Prime Minister stressed that traditional degrees are no longer sufficient, prompting a comprehensive restructuring of the National Education Policy to prioritize continuous skill enhancement. He noted that teaching and training institutions are being entirely remolded to meet the evolving demands of the world. “It has become a massive necessity for the youth to possess skills and for those skills to be upgraded,” he observed.
Fulfilling a crucial commitment made from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister announced a landmark initiative to provide free coaching for competitive exams, aiming to alleviate the immense financial strain on poor and middle-class households. He assured that the administration will take direct responsibility for supporting the aspirations of students preparing for their careers. “The government itself will take care of the coaching of our youth,” affirmed PM Modi.’
Recognizing artificial intelligence as a foundational capability transcending the IT sector, the Prime Minister unveiled plans for a massive national campaign to cultivate AI-proficient youth capable of driving innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and robotics. He emphasized that mastering these cutting-edge tools will boost manufacturing productivity and spark innovative startups. “We want our younger generation to be ready for AI,” the PM asserted.
Concluding with a powerful call to action, the Prime Minister urged the nation to capitalize on this unprecedented demographic dividend, maintaining an unwavering focus on transforming the country by 2047. He ended his address by offering his best wishes for the ongoing development works. “We must relentlessly ensure India becomes developed.” Fiinews.com
