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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod, Gujarat on 26 May, 2025. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that May 26 holds special significance as it marks the day he first took the oath as Prime Minister in 2014. He acknowledged the unwavering support and blessings of the people of Gujarat, who entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that this trust and encouragement have fueled his dedication to serving the country day and night. Over the years, India has taken decisions which were unprecedented and unimaginable, breaking free from decades-old constraints and advancing across every sector. “Today, the nation has emerged from an era of despair and darkness into a new age of confidence and optimism”, he added.
“140 crore Indians are united in building a Viksit Bharat”, exclaimed Shri Modi, emphasising the importance of manufacturing essential goods within India, stating that self-reliance is the need of the hour. He remarked that India is advancing rapidly in the global manufacturing sector, noting that both domestic production and exports are increasing consistently. India is now exporting a wide range of products, including smartphones, automobiles, toys, defense equipment, and medicines. He further stated that India is not only manufacturing rail and metro technology but also exporting it globally. Citing Dahod as a prime example of this progress, where major projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and launched, Shri Modi highlighted the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory as a significant achievement. He recalled laying its foundation stone three years ago and expressed pride that the first electric locomotive has now been successfully manufactured. He flagged off the locomotive, marking a moment of pride for Gujarat and the entire nation. Additionally, he announced that Gujarat has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, calling it a remarkable milestone and congratulated the people of Gujarat for this achievement.
Highlighting the rapid development of India’s railway sector over the past 10-11 years, Shri Modi emphasized the expansion of metro services and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains, transforming connectivity across the country.
Shri Modi highlighted that Gujarat has made remarkable progress across multiple sectors, including education, IT, semiconductors, and tourism. He emphasized that the state has established itself as a leader in various industries. He remarked that a major semiconductor plant is being set up in Gujarat with an investment of thousands of crores, further strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor industry. He stated that these initiatives are creating new employment opportunities for lakhs of youth in Gujarat, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.
PM Modi Bhuj, Gujarat visit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 26 May laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over Rs. 53,400 crore in Bhuj, Gujarat. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister extended greetings to the people of Kutch and paid homage to revered freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma and Ashapura Mata, the presiding deity of the region.
Reflecting on his deep personal connection with Kutch, the Prime Minister recalled the challenges the region faced in the past—from water scarcity to the devastating 2001 earthquake. He emphasized that the resilience and determination of the people of Kutch have transformed the region into a thriving hub of economic and social progress.
A major highlight of the visit was the unveiling of large-scale infrastructure and green energy projects. PM Modi declared that Kutch is emerging as the world’s largest hub for green energy, particularly in the fields of green hydrogen and solar power. He laid the foundation stone for a new green hydrogen plant, emphasizing that the technology used is entirely indigenous. He also noted that the Khavda solar power complex is one of the largest of its kind in the world, placing Kutch firmly on the global renewable energy map.
The Prime Minister also focused on the importance of coastal and maritime development. Citing India’s ancient port cities like Lothal and Dholavira, he emphasized the role of coastal regions in economic prosperity. He noted that Kandla and Mundra ports handle nearly one-third of India’s maritime trade and inaugurated new shipping-related infrastructure including a jetty and expanded cargo storage facilities. A special maritime development fund announced in the Union Budget further underscores the sector’s strategic importance.
Shri Modi praised the rapid industrial growth in Kutch, especially in textiles, food processing, ceramics, and salt production.
In agriculture, PM Modi applauded the transformation brought about by the Narmada canal project, which revived farming in the drought-prone region. He noted that Kutch now exports mangoes, dates, pomegranates, cumin, and even dragon fruit to international markets. He emphasized that local youth, who once migrated for jobs, are now finding employment within the region.
Tourism was identified as a vital sector for employment generation. The Prime Minister celebrated the popularity of the Rann Utsav and highlighted Smriti Van’s global recognition by UNESCO. He proposed organizing a Beach Festival in Mandvi and mentioned the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, expected to boost regional tourism further.
The Prime Minister also marked the day’s symbolic importance—it was on May 26, 2014, that he took oath as India’s Prime Minister. He noted that since then, India has risen from the 11th to the 4th largest economy.
Addressing national security, he reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and elaborated on Operation Sindoor, a military initiative to neutralize terror threats. He criticized Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism and urged its citizens to challenge the destructive path their country is on.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Shri Modi extended greetings for the upcoming Kutchi New Year, Ashadhi Beej, and expressed pride in Kutch’s journey. He reaffirmed the region’s role as a beacon of hope and development for India’s future.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal were present among other dignitaries at the event.