PM Modi flags off freight and passenger train services in Gujarat
New Delhi, September 08
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development initiatives worth over ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara.
The PM dedicated to the nation three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, marking the full completion and operationalisation of the Freight Corridor network. Addressing the huge gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the rapid transformation of India’s transport and logistics sector, calling the completion of over 2,800 kilometres of Dedicated Freight Corridors a historic achievement for 21st-century India and a testament to the nation’s changing work culture.
The Prime Minister pointed out that although the project was initially conceived in 2006, it suffered from years of inaction. Contrastingly, the accelerated execution over the past decade has completely transformed the national logistics ecosystem, which serves as a lifeline for the rapidly developing India. Emphasising the operational impact, the Prime Minister noted that separating freight traffic from passenger lines has drastically improved efficiency. He underlined that this massive reduction in travel time is driving substantial fuel savings, lowering environmental impact, and establishing a faster, cleaner supply chain for the entire nation.
Mr Modi also added that India’s youth are witnessing government thrust across solar, nuclear, and wind energy sectors. Emphasising the future of technology, the Prime Minister remarked that as upcoming industries, including artificial intelligence, will be entirely power-driven, the government is focussing on establishing a robust, multi-sectoral energy ecosystem to power India’s future growth.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India has emerged as a global manufacturing hub, now producing its own advanced train and metro coaches. He noted that over 50 thousand modern railway coaches and two point five lakh wagons have been added to the Indian Railways network. Outlining the vision of “Chip to Ship” local production, he stated that a complete, self-reliant supply chain is being forged within the country, spanning high-tech electronics to heavy maritime shipping.
During the programme, the Prime Minister also flagged off freight train services from New Sanand, New Makarpura, New Umbergaon, and New JNPT, along with a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara, connecting remote tribal regions of Alirajpur to the national rail grid. Mr Modi also laid the foundation stone for three railway expansion projects worth over ₹9,700 crore and three National Highway projects costing around ₹1,780 crore to ease congestion and boost connectivity across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. He also launched various civic and infrastructure projects of the Gujarat Government worth ₹2,600 crore, including megawatt floating solar plant at Kadana Dam and PMAY housing units. Later, the PM will also visit Navsari to inaugurate the BJP’s new AI-enabled, high-tech office in Navsari.