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PM Modi lays foundation stone & dedicates development projects in Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Published By : Admin | September 29, 2022 | 14:31 IST
The Prime Minister lays foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal
PM also inaugurates the Regional Science Centre in Bhavnagar
PM inaugurates various other projects including package 7 of Sauni Yojna link 2, 25 MW Palitana Solar PV Project, APPL Container project
PM lays foundation stone of projects including package 9 of Sauni Yohna link 2, Chorvadla Zone water supply project
“In its journey of 300 years, Bhavnagar has made a steady growth and has made its mark as the cultural capital of Saurashtra”
“In the last two decades, sincere efforts have been made to make Gujarat's coastline the gateway to India's prosperity”
“Bhavnagar is emerging as a shining example of port-led development”
“Lothal is the oldest port in the world and the construction of Lothal Maritime Museum will create a new identity for the place”
“Along the lines of empowerment of farmers, credit cards were issued to fishermen”
“Supporting those who have been left behind is a commitment of the double-engine government”
“Dreams and aspirations of the poor give me the energy to work continuously”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹5200 crores in Bhavnagar today. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of the brownfield port at Bhavnagar. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Regional Science Centre which is spread over 20 acres and has been built at a cost of around ₹100 crores. During the programme, the Prime Minister also inaugurated various other projects including package 7 of Sauni Yojna link 2, 25 MW Palitana Solar PV Project, APPL Container (Aawadkrupa Plastomech Pvt. Ltd.) project; and laid the foundation stone of projects including package 9 of Sauni Yohna link 2, Chorvadla Zone water supply project among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister thanked the people for coming to the event in such a large number despite the warm weather. He said, on one hand, when the country is celebrating 75 years of independence, Bhavnagar has completed 300 years of its establishment. In this journey of 300 years, Bhavnagar has made steady growth and has made its mark as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. This development journey of Bhavnagar will get a new momentum through the projects being launched and planned today. He said that he is of the firm belief that Rajkot-Jamnagar-Bhavnagar area will soon have the same aura as Surat-Vadodara-Ahmedabad. He said that Bhavnagar has immense potential in industry, agriculture and business. Today's event is a living example of the efforts of the double-engine government in this direction.

The Prime Minister remarked that Bhavnagar is a district situated on the coast and Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country. But due to the lack of attention to coastal development in the post-independence decades, this vast coastline had become a kind of big challenge for the people. Highlighting the work done by the double-engine government, the Prime Minister remarked that in the last two decades, the government has made sincere efforts to make Gujarat's coastline the gateway to India's prosperity. “We have developed many ports in Gujarat, modernized many ports”, the Prime Minister added, “New opportunities for employment were created.” The Prime Minister pointed out that Gujarat was the first state in the country to get an LNG terminal and today, Gujarat has three LNG terminals.

Throwing light on the importance of the coastal ecosystem, the Prime Minister remarked that the government has played a key role in developing coastal industries and energy networks for these industries. Fishing harbours were constructed and fish processing was promoted for the benefit of the fishermen's community. Mangrove forests were also developed in the area. Shri Modi also commented that the then government in the Center had said that many lessons can be learnt from Gujarat about how to develop a coastal area. The Prime Minister also said that the government has taken key steps to take aquaculture forward. Remarking on the coastline of Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that it has become a medium of employment for lakhs of people today besides playing a big role in the import and export of the country. “Today, Gujarat's coastline is emerging as synonymous with renewable energy and the hydrogen ecosystem”, he continued, “We have tried to make Saurashtra a centre of energy. Today, whatever be the energy needs of the country, this region is becoming an important hub of that.”

The Prime Minister underlined that the port of Bhavnagar will play a big role in building a self-reliant India and create hundreds of new employment opportunities in the state. “There will be an expansion of business related to storage, transportation and logistics”, Shri Modi added. Referring to the legacy of the Alang Ship breaking yard, the Prime Minister said that the biggest beneficiary of the Vehicle Scrappage Policy will be Bhavnagar. He also underlined the related opportunities of container building from the scrapped iron.

Remarking on Lothal being an important centre of our heritage, the Prime Minister said that it is the oldest port in the world and the construction of Lothal Maritime Museum will create a new identity for the place. The Prime Minister also pointed out that work is being carried out at a rapid pace to bring it on the tourism map of the whole world. “Along with Lothal, the eco-tourism circuit in Velavadar National Park is also going to benefit Bhavnagar, especially small businesses”, the Prime Minister added. Shri Modi recalled a time when the fishermen of the area had to face life-threatening situations due to a lack of awareness. Recalling the time when the Prime Minister was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he said that a special red basket with several buttons was handed out to the fisherman. In times of an emergency, the fisherman had to press the button to summon the coast guard office for assistance or help. The Prime Minister further added that subsidies have been provided to the fishermen to improve the condition of their boats. “Along the lines of empowerment of farmers, credit cards were issued to fishermen”, Shri Modi said.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the changes that have been brought about after the implementation of the Sauni Yojna which began in Rajkot. Emphasizing the relentless progress of the project despite initial cynicism in some quarters, the Prime Minister said “today, the Sauni Yojna is taking Narmada to all the places where it is supposed to go at a meteoric pace”. The Prime Minister highlighted that the projects that have been inaugurated today will take the waters of the Narmada river to many districts of Bhavnagar and Amreli. Shri Modi pointed out that it will immensely benefit the farmers of several villages of Gariadhar, Jesar and Mahuva talukas of Bhavnagar, along with Rajula and Khambha talukas of Amreli district. “Work has also started today to reach hundreds of villages and dozens of cities in Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Botad, Junagadh, Rajkot and Porbandar districts”, the Prime Minister added.

In concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that supporting those who have been left behind is a commitment of the double-engine government. When the poorest of the poor get resources and dignity, they overpower poverty by the dint of hard work and perseverance. The Prime Minister remarked, “In Gujarat, we often organize Garib Kalyan Melas. During one such program, I handed over a tricycle to a sister here in Bhavnagar. Then that sister told me that I have never driven a tricycle. So give electric tricycle only. This faith and these dreams of the poor are my strength even today. These dreams, these aspirations of the poor give me the energy to work continuously.”

The Prime Minister recalled his long association with Bhavnagar and remembered his old associates and went down memory lane. He said that today’s projects will contribute to the bright future of Bhavnagar. He thanked the people for their ever-growing affection for him.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Member of Parliament, Shri C R Patil, Dr Bhartiben Shiyal and Shri Naranbhai Kacchadiya were those present on the occasion among others.

Background

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹5200 crores in Bhavnagar. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of brownfield port at Bhavnagar. The port will be developed at a cost of over ₹4000 crores and will have the state-of-the-art infrastructure for the world’s first CNG Terminal along with the world’s fourth largest lock gate system. In addition to the CNG Terminal, the port will also cater to the future needs and demands of various upcoming projects in the region. The port will have an ultra-modern Container Terminal, Multipurpose Terminal, and Liquid Terminal with direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway and railway network. It will not only lead to economic benefits in terms of cost saving in handling cargo but also generate employment for people in the region. Also, the CNG Import Terminal will provide an additional alternate source of energy to meet the growing demands for clean energy.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Regional Science Centre in Bhavnagar, which is spread over 20 acres and has been built at a cost of around ₹100 crores. The centre has several theme-based galleries including Marine Aquatic gallery, Automobile gallery, Nobel Prize gallery - Physiology and Medicine, Electro-Mechanics gallery, and Biology Science gallery. The centre will also provide a creative platform for discovery and exploration for children through outdoor installations like animatronic dinosaurs, science theme-based toy trains, nature exploration tours, motion simulators, portable solar observatories etc.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also inaugurated various other projects including package 7 of Sauni Yojna link 2, 25 MW Palitana Solar PV Project, APPL Container (Aawadkrupa Plastomech Pvt. Ltd.) project; and laid the foundation stone of projects including package 9 of Sauni Yohna link 2, Chorvadla Zone water supply project among others.

The inauguration and foundation stone of these wide-ranging developmental projects reflect the commitment of the Prime Minister to develop world-class infrastructure, enhance urban mobility and improve multi-modal connectivity. It also showcases the continuous focus of his government on enhancing the ease of living of the common man.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi, earlier today. The three-day Conference was held in Pusa, Delhi from 26 to 28 December, 2025.

Prime Minister observed that this conference marks another decisive step in strengthening the spirit of cooperative federalism and deepening Centre-State partnership to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised that Human Capital comprising knowledge, skills, health and capabilities is the fundamental driver of economic growth and social progress and must be developed through a coordinated Whole-of-Government approach.

The Conference included discussions around the overarching theme of ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’. Highlighting India's demographic advantage, the Prime Minister stated that nearly 70 percent of the population is in the working-age group, creating a unique historical opportunity which, when combined with economic progress, can significantly accelerate India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister said that India has boarded the “Reform Express”, driven primarily by the strength of its young population, and empowering this demographic remains the government’s key priority. Prime Minister noted that the Conference is being held at a time when the country is witnessing next-generation reforms and moving steadily towards becoming a major global economic power.

He further observed that Viksit Bharat is synonymous with quality and excellence and urged all stakeholders to move beyond average outcomes. Emphasising quality in governance, service delivery and manufacturing, the Prime Minister stated that the label "Made in India' must become a symbol of excellence and global competitiveness.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to strengthen Aatmanirbharta, stating that India must pursue self-reliance with zero defect in products and minimal environmental impact, making the label 'Made in India' synonymous with quality and strengthen our commitment to 'Zero Effect, Zero Defect.’ He urged the Centre and States to jointly identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen economic resilience in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to map skill demand at the State and global levels to better design skill development strategies. In higher education too, he suggested that there is a need for academia and industry to work together to create high quality talent.

For livelihoods of youth, Prime Minister observed that tourism can play a huge role. He highlighted that India has a rich heritage and history with a potential to be among the top global tourist destinations. He urged the States to prepare a roadmap for creating at least one global level tourist destination and nourishing an entire tourist ecosystem.

PM Modi said that it is important to align the Indian national sports calendar with the global sports calendar. India is working to host the 2036 Olympics. India needs to prepare infrastructure and sports ecosystem at par with global standards. He observed that young kids should be identified, nurtured and trained to compete at that time. He urged the States that the next 10 years must be invested in them, only then will India get desired results in such sports events. Organising and promoting sports events and tournaments at local and district level and keeping data of players will create a vibrant sports environment.

PM Modi said that soon India would be launching the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM). Every State must give this top priority and create infrastructure to attract global companies. He further said that it included Ease of Doing Business, especially with respect to land, utilities and social infrastructure. He also called upon states to encourage manufacturing, boost ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and strengthen the services sector. In the services sector, PM Modi said that there should be greater emphasis on other areas like Healthcare, education, transport, tourism, professional services, AI, etc. to make India a Global Services Giant.

Prime Minister also emphasized that as India aspires to be the food basket of the world, we need to shift to high value agriculture, dairy, fisheries, with a focus on exports. He pointed out that the PM Dhan Dhanya Scheme has identified 100 districts with lower productivity. Similarly, in learning outcomes States must identify the lowest 100 districts and must work on addressing the issues around the low indicators.

PM also urged the States to use Gyan Bharatam Mission for digitization of manuscripts. He said that States may start a Abhiyan to digitize such manuscripts available in States. Once these manuscripts are digitized, Al can be used for synthesizing the wisdom and knowledge available.

Prime Minister noted that the Conference reflects India’s tradition of collective thinking and constructive policy dialogue, and that the Chief Secretaries Conference, institutionalised by the Government of India, has become an effective platform for collective deliberation.

Prime Minister emphasised that States should work in tandem with the discussions and decisions emerging from both the Chief Secretaries and the DGPs Conferences to strengthen governance and implementation.

Prime Minister suggested that similar conferences could be replicated at the departmental level to promote a national perspective among officers and improve governance outcomes in pursuit of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister also said that all States and UTs must prepare capacity building plan along with the Capacity Building Commission. He said that use of Al in governance and awareness on cyber security is need of the hour. States and Centre have to put emphasis on cyber security for the security of every citizen.

Prime Minister said that the technology can provide secure and stable solutions through our entire life cycle. There is a need to utilise technology to bring about quality in governance.

In the conclusion, Prime Minister said that every State must create 10-year actionable plans based on the discussions of this Conference with 1, 2, 5 and 10 year target timelines wherein technology can be utilised for regular monitoring.

The three-day Conference emphasised on special themes which included Early Childhood Education; Schooling; Skilling; Higher Education; and Sports and Extracurricular Activities recognising their role in building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready workforce.

Discussion during the Conference

The discussions during the Conference reflected the spirit of Team India, where the Centre and States came together with a shared commitment to transform ideas into action. The deliberations emphasised the importance of ensuring time-bound implementation of agreed outcomes so that the vision of Viksit Bharat translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. The sessions provided a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, key challenges and possible solutions across priority areas related to human capital development.

The Conference also facilitated focused deliberations over meals on Heritage & Manuscript Preservation and Digitisation; and Ayush for All with emphasis on integrating knowledge in primary healthcare delivery.

The deliberations also emphasised the importance of effective delivery, citizen-centric governance and outcome-oriented implementation to ensure that development initiatives translate into measurable on-ground impact. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and adopt data-driven monitoring frameworks to enhance service delivery. Focus was placed on simplifying processes, leveraging technology and ensuring last-mile reach so that benefits of development reach every citizen in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Conference featured a series of special sessions that enabled focused deliberations on cross-cutting and emerging priorities. These sessions examined policy pathways and best practices on Deregulation in States, Technology in Governance: Opportunities, Risks & Mitigation; AgriStack for Smart Supply Chain & Market Linkages; One State, One World Class Tourist Destination; Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Swadeshi; and Plans for a post-Left Wing Extremism future. The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, replication of successful State-level initiatives and time-bound implementation to translate deliberations into measurable outcomes.

The Conference was attended by Chief Secretaries, senior officials of all States/Union Territories, domain experts and senior officers in the centre.