The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development projects in Surat, Gujarat. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the people of Gujarat for their unwavering support. "After the local body elections, I am visiting Surat for the first time. From Surat, I salute and congratulate the people of the entire Gujarat," remarked Shri Modi.
Extending congratulations to the many elected representatives from Surat and Navsari present at the event, the Prime Minister reminded all stakeholders that the people of Gujarat have endorsed the spirit of service. Emphasizing that this massive victory is a mandate to further expand the mission of service, he called upon all elected representatives to work even harder. He underscored the significant role that all elected public representatives must play in realizing this vision. "Our resolve is to build a Viksit Gujarat and Viksit Bharat. This resolve will be fulfilled only by developing every village, every district, every city of the country," asserted Shri Modi.
Drawing attention to the auspicious coincidence of the event taking place on Environment Day, the Prime Minister expressed pride in being in Surat, one of the cleanest cities of the country, on June 5. Recalling Surat's transformation from a city once affected by the plague epidemic to being recognized today for its cleanliness, he lauded the continuous efforts made over the past two and a half decades by all stakeholders, including citizens, officers, employees, and public representatives. "What a matter of great pride it is, this very Surat, which was once affected by the plague epidemic, is today being recognized for cleanliness," remarked Shri Modi.
Tracing Gujarat’s pioneering role in the global transition toward a green future, the Prime Minister recalled the state's foresight in establishing India's first Climate Change Department in 2009 alongside the historic Charanka Solar Park. He detailed how Surat perfectly exemplifies the national mantra of balancing progress with nature through its innovative 'Circular Water Economy', treating wastewater for industrial use, and the nationwide 'waste to wealth' movement of the past twelve years. Ensuring future drinking water and drainage security, he highlighted the approval of the Tapi Barrage Project, while also anticipating Surat's rapid expansion into electric mobility, the growing metro network, and the Hazira Industrial Area's upcoming green steel production powered entirely by renewable energy. '“All these steps, from ensuring our buses are electric to producing steel using green energy, will further empower Surat's distinct identity as a truly green city,”' noted Shri Modi.
Addressing the unprecedented challenges of what he termed a 'decade of disasters', spanning the pandemic, global conflicts, and volatile energy supply chains, the Prime Minister praised the 140 crore Indians for firmly withstanding these massive global shocks. He specifically credited Gujarat for its heavy contribution to India’s energy self-reliance, noting the state produces one-fifth (50 GW) of the nation's 250 GW renewable energy capacity and is poised to lead in emerging sectors like Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. Underscoring the critical importance of the energy capabilities built over the last twelve years, he outlined historic investments in solar power, ethanol blending, railway electrification, nuclear energy, modernized electricity transmission networks, and the massive expansion of gas pipelines and port storage capacities. '“This ongoing global crisis shows how absolutely necessary self-reliance is in terms of energy, and the vast capacity the country has built over the last twelve years holds immense importance today,”' observed Shri Modi.
Reflecting on his visit to Hazira prior to the event, the Prime Minister described the region not merely as an industrial zone, but as a comprehensive, thriving ecosystem encompassing energy, steel, defense production, and global maritime trade. He positioned this Maritime-Industrial Hub as a living testament to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, strongly condemning pessimistic factions within the country who mock the self-reliance campaign and who historically kept the nation dependent on foreign entities. '“Those people who continuously demean the nation's resolve forget that a country dependent on others can never achieve the great heights of development which it rightfully deserves,”' emphasized Shri Modi.
Outlining the government's intense focus on modern connectivity to drive self-reliance, the Prime Minister cited mega-projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Bullet Train, and the newly inaugurated section of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway as vital catalysts for industrial and trade growth. He emphasized that this infrastructure drive is inherently inclusive, reaching previously underserved tribal and remote regions through initiatives like the Dahod-Bodeli-Vapi corridor. By bringing four-lane highways to the tribal belts of Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, and Tapi, the government is reducing travel time and freight costs while simultaneously unlocking unprecedented access to education, healthcare, and tourism at destinations like the Statue of Unity and Saputara. '“By bringing modern connectivity to our tribal and rural areas, we are ensuring they receive excellent facilities for education, medicine, and enhanced earning opportunities,”' affirmed Shri Modi.
Inaugurating a modern ESIC hospital in Surat to provide better healthcare for workers and migrant families from other states, the Prime Minister connected these developmental milestones to the overwhelming electoral trust the nation continues to place in the government. Concluding with a resounding call to action, he celebrated the limitless optimism of the Indian citizens, expressing absolute confidence in the collective power of the people to build a fully developed nation. '“India is a country equipped with incredible aspirations and limitless optimism, and when the manpower of the nation is completely resolved, there is no goal we cannot achieve,” said Shri Modi.
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Economy भी, Ecology भी। pic.twitter.com/XapW1PkrUV
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 5, 2026
बीते 12 वर्षों से देश में waste to wealth का एक बहुत बड़ा जन-आंदोलन चला है। pic.twitter.com/ME2KMiPcDu
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 5, 2026
Today, the world is facing an unprecedented set of challenges. But with the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians, the country continues to move ahead with confidence and optimism. pic.twitter.com/GUc3cj4UXA
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 5, 2026
