Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhavnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, where he participated in a grand roadshow and inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹34,200 crore. The event, named ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’, highlighted India’s focus on maritime infrastructure, coastal development, and regional growth.
Samudra se Samriddhi Festival and Development Initiatives
During the event, PM Modi inaugurated several key projects across ports and maritime infrastructure, aiming to boost India’s maritime economy. Major initiatives include:
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Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock.
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New container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
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Container berth and cargo handling facilities at Paradip Port.
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Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal.
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Firefighting and road connectivity improvements at Kamarajar Port, Ennore.
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Coastal protection works including sea-walls at Chennai Port and Car Nicobar Island.
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Multi-purpose cargo berth and Green Bio-Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla.
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Ship repair facilities at Patna and Varanasi.
Other broader development projects worth ₹26,354 crore include the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics & Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, solar projects like the Dhordo solarisation and 45 MW Badeli Solar PV, expansion of healthcare facilities, and construction of 70 km of national highways.
Roadshow and Public Engagement
PM Modi commenced his visit with a vibrant roadshow through Bhavnagar, drawing large crowds waving tricolours. The procession aimed to engage citizens and showcase the government’s commitment to regional development.
Key Messages from PM Modi’s Address
The Prime Minister addressed multiple issues, including:
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Gratitude for birthday wishes from citizens in India and abroad.
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Highlights of Seva Pakhwada, with over one lakh blood donations, 30,000 health camps, and cleanliness drives across Gujarat, emphasizing women’s health.
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Upcoming Navratri festival and the expected economic boost due to GST reductions.
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Importance of self-reliance, noting that India’s greatest challenge is dependence on foreign countries. He stated, “There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India.”
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Criticism of past policies under the Congress government, including the “license raj” and over-reliance on imports, which hindered India’s growth.
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Concerns over India’s declining shipping sector, which currently relies on foreign ships for 90% of trade, costing around $75 billion (₹6 lakh crore) annually.
India’s ports are the backbone of our nation’s rise as a global maritime powerhouse. Addressing the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ programme in Bhavnagar. https://t.co/T7k56n99Gd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025
Focus on Maritime Self-Reliance
PM Modi emphasized reviving India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and maritime strength, citing India’s historical leadership as a global maritime power. The government plans to simplify port operations via the ‘One Nation, One Port Procedure’ and establish the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal to preserve India’s maritime history.
Today, 20th September is an important day for India’s maritime sector and our quest towards self-reliance. At around 10:30 AM, will take part in the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ programme in Bhavnagar. Works worth over Rs. 34,200 crores will be inaugurated or their foundation stones…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025
Aerial Survey of Dholera and Visit to Maritime Heritage Complex
Following the event, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region, aimed at boosting industrial growth and urban development. He also visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, a ₹4,500 crore project set to become a major cultural and tourist destination.
PM Modi’s visit showcased the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, boosting regional development, and promoting economic self-reliance, combining cultural celebrations with strategic infrastructure initiatives.
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