Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted key initiatives in the railways, emphasizing a six-fold budget increase since 2014 and promising even greater transformation in the next five years. Speaking at an event inaugurating and laying foundation stones for several railway projects, PM Modi stated that his government’s efforts have pulled the railways out of a challenging situation.
“Railways development is now among our top priorities. The work of the last 10 years is just a trailer. I have a long way to go,” said PM Modi, emphasizing that development projects are aimed at creating a developed India for future generations. He highlighted achievements such as the creation of eastern and western dedicated freight corridors, which had been delayed for decades.
“The transformation of the railway is the guarantee of a developed India,” PM Modi stressed, noting the expansion of the Vande Bharat train network to over 250 districts and the government’s commitment to 100% electrification of railways. He also mentioned plans to power railway stations with solar energy and establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras at stations, creating an ecosystem for ‘Made in India’ in railways.
PM Modi discussed modernization efforts in the railway sector, including track laying, redevelopment of over 1300 railway stations, and the introduction of next-generation trains like Vande Bharat, NaMo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat. He highlighted the government’s focus on social welfare over political gains, significantly increasing the average railway budget compared to pre-2014 levels.
Under the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy, PM Modi noted an increase in cargo terminal construction due to simplified land leasing policies. He also mentioned the establishment of Gati Shakti University and initiatives to abolish unmanned crossings and implement automatic signaling systems.
“The manufacturing of railway trains, tracks, and stations in India is creating a ‘Made in India’ ecosystem,” PM Modi remarked, noting that Indian locomotives and coaches are being exported to several countries. He emphasized that rejuvenating the railway sector and new investments would create new employment opportunities.
PM Modi highlighted the inauguration and foundation laying of projects worth Rs 11 lakh crore in just 2.5 months of 2024, stating that the nation is moving towards its dream of a developed India. He dedicated railway projects worth over Rs 85,000 crore to the nation, including the inauguration of various developmental projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, encompassing railway infrastructure, connectivity, and petrochemicals.