The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed a public gathering at Vav-Tharad in Banaskantha district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹20,000 crore for North Gujarat. Noting that the sacred festival of Navratri had just concluded and that the day also marked Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister paid his respects to Maa Ambaji and Bhagwan Shri Dharanidharji.
Sharing his delight at landing directly at the Deesa Airbase for the first time, the Prime Minister highlighted its strategic significance, given its proximity of just 130 kilometres from the international border. He pointed out that the expansion of the Deesa Airport had been stuck for decades, despite farmers having willingly given their land for the project. "It is our government that completed this work on priority," remarked PM Modi, adding that the airport is both a developmental milestone and a major strategic asset for the nation.
Recalling his deep personal bond with the Vav-Tharad and Banaskantha region, the Prime Minister spoke of his days as an organisational worker, when he would spend extended periods in the villages of the area. He fondly recalled the bajra rotla, ghee, gaud, and sheera lovingly prepared by the mothers and sisters of the region.
Reflecting on his 25-year association with the development of this region, the Prime Minister noted that the chain of development he was fortunate to initiate as Chief Minister has continued uninterrupted, now strengthened further by the current government since 2014. Highlighting that the projects launched today span energy, roads, railways, and housing, PM Modi asserted, "These projects worth ₹20,000 crore will transform the entire picture of this area and give new momentum to life here."
Detailing the road infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister spoke about the 4-lane highway from Idar to Vadali Bypass, the highway upgradation from Dholavira to Santalpur, and the dedication of the complete Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway corridor. He emphasised that such connectivity brings industries, investment, and opportunities in its wake. On rail connectivity, he highlighted the gauge conversion from Himmatnagar to Khedbrahma, which connects North Gujarat's tribal areas to the national broad gauge network, and the launch of a new train service linking Khedbrahma, Himmatnagar, and Asarwa. "When villages get connected to markets, farmers to opportunities, and youth to employment, that is real development," remarked Shri Modi.
Underlining the critical role of energy in driving industrial growth and new investment, the Prime Minister spoke about the transmission projects linked to the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, which will generate 4.5 gigawatts of electricity. Recalling that he had launched the country's first solar park at Charanka in 2010 as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he noted that this early initiative laid the foundation for Gujarat's current leadership in renewable energy. "The day is not far when Gujarat will emerge as a major global centre in renewable energy," affirmed PM Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that when the world discusses India's growth story, the 'Gujarat Model' is widely appreciated, as it demonstrates that infrastructure development and public welfare must go hand in hand. Noting that approximately 40,000 families received pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana at today's event, he said, "The change that a pucca house brings in a family's life is visible on the faces of the beneficiaries ,roads and highways must be built, but the living standard of the common person must also improve," remarked Shri Modi.
Recalling the decades of hardship that North Gujarat once endured , drought, acute water scarcity, the Prime Minister spoke of the time when women had to walk kilometres to fetch water and farmers could not get fair value for their labour. He credited the spirit of Gujarat's people for resolving to change their destiny, and highlighted the Sujalam Sufalam scheme and the extension of Narmada waters as transformative interventions. "Today, the farmer here is no longer dependent on a single crop , Banaskantha's emergence as a leading potato producer is an example in itself," asserted PM Modi.
Celebrating Gujarat's unbroken 25-year development journey, the Prime Minister noted how the state has consistently set and surpassed its own records. He recalled launching the 'Urban Development Year' in 2005 with a budget of ₹650 crore, which has now grown to over ₹33,000 crore. Pointing to the approval of nearly 300 proposals worth ₹2,300 crore for 9 new municipal corporations, the upgradation of 72 municipalities, and a state budget exceeding ₹4 lakh crore, he assured that development will reach every village, town, and city. "As long as your trust remains from Panchayat to Parliament, the superfast express of development will keep running at this speed," affirmed Shri Modi.
Turning to the global situation, the Prime Minister noted that while many countries are grappling with war, instability, and soaring fuel prices, with diesel and petrol prices rising by 10 to 25 percent even in superpower nations ,India has kept the situation under control through its successful foreign policy and the unity of its people.
Recalling the nation's united response during the COVID pandemic, the Prime Minister urged citizens to stand together during the current challenging times as well. "India has not only maintained stability while the world struggles , it is moving forward on the path of development every single day, and today's projects are another example of this resolve," concluded PM Modi.
