Historic infrastructure boost for Rajasthan as PM Modi dedicates over Rs240bn projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated multiple development projects, with a total value exceeding Rs 24,300 crore, to the nation in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
The key projects include the six-lane Greenfield Expressway section of the Amritsar – Jamnagar Economic Corridor costing around Rs 11,125 crores, the Inter-State Transmission Line for Green Energy Corridor valued at approximately Rs 10,950 crores, and the Bikaner to Bhiwadi Transmission Line slated to cost around Rs 1,340 crores.
Additionally, a new 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital was unveiled in Bikaner, while the foundation stone was laid for a redevelopment project at the Bikaner Railway Station and a 43 km long Churu – Ratangarh section railway line.
Addressing the gathering in Bikaner, Prime Minister Modi hailed the state as a land of warriors and emphasized his commitment to its development. In reference to the projects valued over Rs 24,000 crores, he observed that Rajasthan now benefits from two six-lane expressways in a matter of months. “In a way, Rajasthan has scored a double century when it comes to National Highways”, he said.
The Prime Minister stated that due to Rajasthan’s potential for growth, substantial investments are being directed towards the state, focusing on enhanced connectivity and industrial development opportunities.
The inauguration of the Greenfield Expressway, in particular, he said, would link Rajasthan with several states and important commercial seaports, significantly reducing travel distances, benefitting farmers, and businesses, and strengthening the economic activities across Western India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiates development projects worth Rs 24,300 crores in Bikaner. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office/Wikimedia Commons.
Discussing the expansion of railway lines in Rajasthan, Modi highlighted the shift in the average annual railway investment in the state from Rs 1,000 crores between 2004-2014 to Rs 10,000 crores post-2014. He also mentioned how such infrastructure enhancements would primarily benefit small businessmen and small-scale industries, enabling them to reach a broader market.
The Prime Minister lauded the Vibrant Village scheme aimed at neglected border villages, turning them into the ‘first villages’ of the country. He expressed confidence that the development measures being taken would place Rajasthan at the peak of development. The event also saw the presence of the Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, and other notable dignitaries.
The projects initiated by the Prime Minister aim to reduce travel times, boost the power sector, and facilitate healthcare services. These development initiatives in Rajasthan are expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate seamless transportation of goods, stimulate tourism and economic development, and contribute to the overall advancement of the state.