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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan on 22 May 2025. Addressing the occasion, he welcomed the large gathering at the event, acknowledging the significant participation of people from 18 states and union territories who joined online. He highlighted the presence of several governors, chief ministers, lieutenant governors, and other public representatives. The Prime Minister extended his greetings to all esteemed dignitaries and citizens connected from across the country.
Shri Modi stated that he arrived at the event after seeking the blessings of Karni Mata, emphasizing that these blessings further strengthen the nation’s resolve to build a developed India. Mentioning the inauguration and foundation stone laying of development projects worth Rs. 26,000 crore, he underscored their significance in advancing the country’s growth. He extended his congratulations to the citizens for these transformative initiatives.
India is now investing six times more in infrastructure development
Highlighting the ongoing transformation of India’s infrastructure, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to modernization, the Prime Minister pointed to the rapid advancements in roads, airports, railways, and railway stations over the past 11 years. “India is now investing six times more in infrastructure development compared to previous years, a progress that has captured global attention”, remarked the Prime Minister, pointing out iconic infrastructure projects across the country, citing the remarkable Chenab Bridge in the north, the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam in the east. In western India, he noted the Atal Setu in Mumbai, while in the south, he highlighted the Pamban Bridge, India’s first of its kind.
Continuous efforts to modernize our railway network
Emphasising India’s continuous efforts to modernize its railway network, Shri Modi underlined the introduction of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains as symbols of the country’s new speed and progress. He remarked that nearly 70 routes now operate Vande Bharat trains, bringing modern rail connectivity to remote regions. He further pointed out the significant infrastructure advancements over the past 11 years, including the construction of hundreds of road overbridges and underbridges, as well as the laying of over 34,000 kilometers of new railway tracks.
The Prime Minister stressed that the modernized railway stations have been named Amrit Bharat Stations and that over 100 such stations have been completed.
Underlining that government investments in infrastructure not only drive development but also create employment opportunities and boost business activities.
Approximately Rs. 70,000 crore has been invested in Rajasthan’s road infrastructure
Shri Modi highlighted the substantial benefits Rajasthan is gaining from ongoing infrastructure development. He noted that high-quality roads are being constructed across villages and even in border areas. Over the past 11 years, approximately Rs. 70,000 crore has been invested in Rajasthan’s road infrastructure alone. He stated that the central government is set to spend nearly Rs. 10,000 crore on railway development in the state this year, marking a 15-fold increase compared to pre-2014 levels. He remarked on the flagging-off of a new train connecting Bikaner to Mumbai, further enhancing connectivity.
Unwavering spirit of Rajasthan
Emphasising the unwavering spirit of Rajasthan, stating that nothing is greater than the country and its people, the Prime Minister condemned the terrorist attack on April 22, where assailants targeted innocent lives based on their faith. He remarked that while the bullets were fired in Pahalgam, they wounded the hearts of 140 crore
Indians, uniting the nation in resolve against terrorism. He highlighted the decisive response by India’s armed forces, stating that they were given full operational freedom. He noted that in a meticulously executed operation, the three forces collaborated to dismantle Pakistan’s defenses, forcing them into submission. He revealed that in response to the April 22 attack, India struck back within 22 minutes, destroying nine major terrorist hideouts. “This action demonstrated the nation’s strength, proving that when the sacred sindoor turns into firepower, the outcome is definitive”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He also pointed out a significant coincidence—five years ago, after the Balakot air strike, his first public rally was in Rajasthan. Similarly, following the recent Operation Sindoor, his first rally is again in Rajasthan, in Bikaner, reaffirming the land’s deep-rooted valor and patriotism.
Outlining the three key principles established through Operation Sindoor in India’s fight against terrorism, the Prime Minister stated the first principle – any terrorist attack on India would be met with a decisive response, with the timing, method, and terms determined solely by India’s armed forces. Second, he asserted that India would not be intimidated by nuclear threats. Third, he emphasized that India would no longer differentiate between terrorist masterminds and the governments that support them, rejecting Pakistan’s distinction between state and non-state actors. Highlighting ongoing global efforts to expose Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, seven distinct groups, comprising leaders from various political parties and foreign policy experts, are actively working to present Pakistan’s true face to the world, he added.
Shri Modi asserted that Pakistan can never win a direct confrontation with India, recalling its repeated failures in past conflicts. He emphasized that, unable to succeed in open battles, Pakistan has long used terrorism as a weapon against India, resorting to violence and creating an atmosphere of fear. He declared that Pakistan had underestimated India’s resolve, stating that under his leadership, the nation stands strong and unwavering. “Any terrorist attack on India would result in severe consequences, with Pakistan paying a heavy price—borne by its military and its economy”.