NAVI MUMBAI, Jan 12 (The CONNECT) – Modi’s guarantee begins where expectations from others end.
Stating this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself said today that the image of a transformed India becomes even clearer when one recalls the India before 2014.
“Earlier, multi-million crore scams were part of discussion, today the discussions revolve around the completion of projects worth thousands of crores”, he said. He gave examples of the completion of Bhupen Hazarika Setu and Bogibeel Bridge in the Northeast, Atal Tunnel and Chenab Bridge, multiple expressways, modern railway stations, Eastern and Western freight corridor, Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, and inauguration of new airports.
The Prime Minister today inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and unveiled the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 12,700 crore in Navi Mumbai. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu built at a cost of more than Rs 17,840 crores in Navi Mumbai. The development projects being inaugurated today include sectors of road and rail connectivity, drinking water, gems and jewellery and women empowerment
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that today is a historic day not only for Mumbai and Maharashtra but also for the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat’. “Even though these development projects are taking place in Mumbai, the entire nation’s eyes are glued to it”, Modi said. Referring to the inauguration of India’s longest sea bridge Atal Setu, the Prime Minister said that it is proof of the commitment towards India’s growth. Today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said, is also a symbol of accomplishment through resolution as he recalled laying the foundation stone for MTHL Atal Setu on December 24, 2016.
Referring to today’s projects which are in the areas of roads, railways, metro and water, and business-related infrastructure, the Prime Minister said that most of these projects were initiated when there was double engine government in the state and lauded the team’s efforts led by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
Expressing gratitude for the presence and blessings of women, the Prime Minister said “The guarantee of empowerment of the daughters and sisters given by Modi is being carried forward by the Maharashtra government”. He pointed out that schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Sakshmikaran Abhitan, Nari Shaktidoot application and Lek Ladki Yojana are efforts in that direction.
“Coming forward with women and leading the movement for Viksit Bharat is very critical. Removal of every obstacle in the path of our mother and daughters and ensuring ease of life for them is a priority for our government”, he added. He listed schemes like Ujjwala, Ayushman Card, Jan Dhan Accounts, pucca houses under PM Awas, Matru Vandana, 26-week maternity leave, and Sukanya Samridhi accounts to illustrate the concern for women’s needs. “Mahila Kalyan is the foremost guarantee of any double-engine government in any state”, he added.
He said that Atal Setu is filling everyone with pride for its size, ease of travel, engineers and scale. He informed that the steel used in the project is sufficient to construct 4 Hawara Bridges and 6 Statue of Liberty. The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Japan for their assistance and remembered Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “We had resolved to complete the construction of this bridge as quickly as possible”, PM Modi recalled.
Giving examples of recent mega development projects in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister mentioned the inauguration of Bala Saheb Thackrey Samruddhi Mahamarg and the ongoing work on Navi Mumbai Airport and Coastal Road Project which is bound to change the face of connectivity in Mumbai.
He also touched upon the underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to Marine Drive to further increase ease of travel. “Soon, Mumbai will also get its first bullet train”, he added, “Delhi-Mumbai Economic Corridor will connect Maharashtra with Central and Northern India. Transmission line networks are also being laid to connect Maharashtra with Telangana, Chhattisgarh and other neighbouring states. Big projects of oil and gas pipeline, Aurangabad Industrial City, Navi Mumbai Airport, and Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Park are going to give a new impetus to the economy of Maharashtra.”
The Prime Minister illustrated how the taxpayer’s money is being used for the nation’s development and contrasted it with the callous misuse of this money earlier. He talked about the Nilwande Dam project started 5 decades ago and completed by the current government and work on the Uran-Kharkopar railway line was started 3 decades ago, fast-tracked by the double-engine government and the first phase dedicated to the nation today. Similarly, the first phase of Navi Mumbai Metro Project was completed after a long delay. He informed that even Atal Setu was in planning for 5-6 decades. and Bandra-Worli SeaLink, a 5 times smaller project took more than 10 years and the budget increased by 4-5 times.
Modi informed that the construction of Atal Setu involved employing around 17,000 laborers and 1500 engineers while also creating employment opportunities in the transport and construction industries. “Atal Setu will strengthen all business activities in the region and also boost Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Life”, he added.
