PM launches Mission Bhagiratha; lays Foundation Stone of key development projects in Telangana

Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Gangwar ji, my cabinet colleagues Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji, Annapurna Devi ji and Sanjay Seth ji, MP Vidyut Mahto ji, State Government Minister Irfan Ansari ji, Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi ji, All Jharkhand Students Union President Sudesh Mahto ji, MLAs, other distinguished guests, brothers and sisters,

I bow down at the feet of Baba Baidyanath and Baba Basukinath. I also pay my respects to the land of brave Birsa Munda. Today is a very auspicious day. Presently, Jharkhand is celebrating the festival of Karma, which involves nature worship. When I arrived at Ranchi Airport this morning, a sister welcomed me with java, the symbol of Karma festival. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers during this festival. I extend my greetings to the people of Jharkhand on the occasion of Karma festival. On this auspicious day, Jharkhand has received a new blessing of development. Six new Vande Bharat trains, railway projects worth over 650 crore rupees, expansion of connectivity and travel facilities, and along with all this, thousands of people in Jharkhand will get their own pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana. I congratulate the people of Jharkhand for all these development works. I also congratulate all the states that are connecting with these Vande Bharat trains.

Friends,

There was a time when modern amenities and development were limited to only a few cities in the country. States like Jharkhand lagged behind in modern infrastructure and development. However, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' has changed the country’s mindset and priorities. Now, the priority of the country is the poor. Now, the priority of the country is the tribal communities. Now, the priority of the country is the Dalits, the underprivileged, and the backward sections of society. Now, the priority of the country is women, youth, and farmers. That’s why, Jharkhand, just like other states, is receiving high-tech trains like Vande Bharat and modern infrastructure.

Friends,

Today, every state and city wants high-speed trains like Vande Bharat for rapid development. Just a few days ago, I flagged off 3 new Vande Bharat Express trains for the northern and southern states. And today, services of Vande Bharat Express trains have started from Tatanagar to Patna, Tatanagar to Brahmapur in Odisha, Rourkela to Tatanagar to Howrah, Bhagalpur to Dumka to Howrah, Deoghar to Gaya to Varanasi, and Gaya to Koderma-Parasnath- Dhanbad to Howrah. As the housing distribution program was underway on stage, I also flagged off these Vande Bharat trains, and they have started towards their destinations. The expansion of rail connectivity in Eastern India will strengthen the economy of this entire region. These trains will greatly benefit traders and students. This will also accelerate economic and cultural activities here. As you know, millions of devotees come to Kashi from across the country and the world. With the Vande Bharat trains facilitating travel from Kashi to Deoghar, many of them will also visit Baba Baidyanath. This will promote tourism here. Tatanagar is such a major industrial hub in the country. Good transport facilities will further accelerate its industrial development. With the promotion of tourism and industries, employment opportunities for the youth of Jharkhand will also increase.

Friends,

Modern rail infrastructure is crucial for rapid development. That’s why several new projects have also been launched here today. The foundation stone for the Madhupur bypass line has been laid. Once completed, there will be no need to halt trains on the Howrah-Delhi main line. The bypass line will also reduce travel time between Giridih and Jasidih. Today, the foundation stone for the Hazaribagh Town coaching depot has also been laid. This will facilitate the introduction of several new train services. The doubling of the rail line from Kurkuria to Kanaroan will strengthen rail connectivity in Jharkhand. The completion of this section’s doubling will make the transportation of goods related to the steel industry easier.

Friends,

The central government has increased investment in Jharkhand for its development and also accelerated the pace of work. A budget of over 7,000 crore rupees has been allocated for the development of rail infrastructure in Jharkhand this year. Compared to the budget earmarked 10 years ago, this is 16 times more. You can see the impact of the increased rail budget; today, work is rapidly progressing in laying new rail lines, doubling existing lines, and enhancing modern facilities at stations in the state. Today, Jharkhand has also joined the states where 100 percent of the railway network has been electrified. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, over 50 railway stations in Jharkhand are also being revamped.

Friends,

Today, the first instalment has been released for building pucca houses for thousands of beneficiaries in Jharkhand. Thousands of people have also been provided with pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana. Along with homes, they have also been given facilities such as toilets, water, electricity, and gas connections. We must remember... when a family gets its own home, their self-esteem rises... they start thinking not only about improving their present but also about a better future. They feel that they will have a home of their own even in the face of any crisis. And, with the PM Awas Yojana, not only are the people of Jharkhand getting permanent homes, but it is also creating numerous employment opportunities in villages and cities.

Friends,

Since 2014, several major steps have been taken to empower the poor, Dalits, underprivileged, and tribal families of the country. The PM JANMAN scheme is being implemented for the tribal brothers and sisters across the country, including Jharkhand. This scheme aims to reach the most backward tribes. Officials themselves reach these families to provide them with homes, roads, electricity, water, and education. These efforts are part of our commitment to a ‘Viksit Jharkhand’ (Developed Jharkhand). I am confident that with everyone’s blessings, this commitment will definitely be fulfilled, and we will realize the dreams of Jharkhand. After this program, I am going to another large public gathering. I will reach there in 5-10 minutes. A large number of people are waiting for me there. I will discuss other topics related to Jharkhand in detail there. But I also seek forgiveness from the people of Jharkhand because, although I have reached Ranchi, nature did not cooperate, and therefore, I am unable to take off from here by helicopter. I am unable to reach there, and for this reason, I am inaugurating and dedicating all these programs today via video conference. I will also address the public gathering via video conference. Once again, I thank you all for coming here. Namaskar.