My Dear Brothers and Sisters of Guwahati who have gathered here in large numbers
Today is an important event in the history of railways. One more of the Indian states are going to be connected through rail network. Today, a new route from Mendipathar in Meghalaya to Guwahati in Assam gets connected by rail. Also there is yet another occasion for the railways as the foundation for a new rail route from Bhairabi to Sairang in Mizoram will be laid. So both these projects where one rail route is being opened up and foundation for another is being laid presents a unique occasion.
There are those of us who believe in Vaastu though I must confess that I do not know much about it. But if I were to believe what the experts say then the North East corner of the house should be well kept. It should be clean and its sanctity should be maintained at all times. If this is done the house will forever prosper. Well, I cannot verify these claims but what I do know is that if we are able to take care of the North East India, the ‘Ishan’ corner of our homeland , then the entire India will prosper.
So if we want India to prosper, the progress of the North East will need to be fast tracked. The first step in this direction will be the development of infrastructure. Those who are futuristic and have a great vision always start with the development of infrastructure. Once infrastructure is developed then the people themselves take development forward.
Many of you must have heard about South Korea. It is a small country with a population of about 5-6 crores. It is along the sea coast. It was a very poor country. We talk about the poverty in India but think of a country poorer than India. But the rulers there thought of building a highway at par with international standards right in the middle of the country. This became a hugely controversial decision. People were angry that they had no food, the children had no access to education, they had no homes to live yet their ruler was thinking of spending hundreds of crores of on construction of a road. But their ruler was a man of grit and determination. He went ahead with his plans and built the road despite the criticism. And that one road changed the face of the entire nation.
A few years back we too hosted the Commonwealth Games. We are a large country but what did we do? Whatever happened in Delhi, the negative publicity and the disgrace that followed is known to one and all. That same small country of South Korea was able to hold Olympics in their country about 12-15 years back and host a worldwide audience. That nation prospered and poverty was eradicated. And how did they achieve that, by just one road – that opened the doors of prosperity for them.
The American President Kennedy said, it is not wealth that creates roads but it is the roads that lead to the creation of wealth. In the plans for development, infrastructure occupies a significant place. If the North East has to develop and play an important role in the development of India, then infrastructure development should be a priority. It is my firm belief that these 8 North Eastern states, our Ashta Lakshmi, (eight goddesses of wealth) have the potential of bringing in prosperity for the entire nation. If these eight states are connected to the Nation’s infrastructure which includes roads, rail and all other types of connectivity, if we are successful in doing so which I am sure we will then there will be no looking back. There is a new higher middle class which takes family vacations once or twice each year. They are always scouting for new destinations. With better connectivity North East will become the heaven which every tourist desires. The beautiful landscapes, the dense jungles and above all the warmth of the people here will make it the most sought after destination and I am sure that people from all over India will be thronging the place.
And with this thought of developing the North East, our new government that has been recently formed, in its first budget itself allocated a sum of Rs. 28,000 crores for the development of rail network in the region. I have a firm belief that once this network is laid my people will themselves take this region to new unprecedented heights of progress and development. In the changing world scenario, it is believed that this century belongs to Asia. And if this is a century of Asia then have we made any preparations? There is an emphasis on Look East policy. We believe that if this century belongs to Asia then we are definitely going to make the most of it. And how do we intend to achieve it? Not just by following Look East but by following Look East Act East policy. And we are now moving form just Look East to Act East policy. It is our effort that North East gets connected by road and rail to Myanmar and other East Asian countries. If this is achieved, this region will become the centre of trade and commerce. This region will hold the potential for redefining progress. And then, the youth of North East will not have to leave their homeland endowed with natural wealth and go elsewhere to big cities in search of livelihood.
Times are changing and so we have to move forward with new concept of infrastructural development. The infrastructure too needs to be with ethos of next generation. In the past building rail, road, ports and airports was perceived by the people a lot was done. But now the world is changing. Now highways are required as are i-ways. Information ways, i-ways. There is no place for a digital divide. North East should be an integral part of the Digital India dream. It should have both i-ways network and connectivity. The facilities should be such that whatever one is able to achieve sitting in Delhi same should be available to a person living in the difficult terrains of the North East.
The world is changing. Why shouldn’t there be gas grid? Why shouldn’t there be access to 24 hours of fresh water supply? Why shouldn’t there be electricity supply round the clock? Why shouldn’t there be an optical fibre network? We have to develop infrastructure keeping the new and changing times in mind. This concept of next generation infrastructure development for a Modern India should be conducted at a fast pace and should be actualized as soon as possible. The children of North East are educated in English. If there is proper optical fibre coverage and smooth connectivity then the youth of North East can do the same job work from home in their own village as is being done in Hyderabad and Bangalore. They do not need to go to Delhi and Bombay for call centre jobs. This can happen in North East itself. This world here can change hence I am taking a special interest in the development of the North East.
A few days back I had visited Myanmar. I had discussions with the heads of state regarding improved connectivity, improved trade and greater utilization of the local human resource. Dear brothers and sisters, this rail connectivity is not only about passengers commuting from one place to another. It is a medium that connects us, gives us pace and speed and also provides us strength. The Indian railways have the potential to become the backbone of all economic activities. But instead of considering it as the energetic force of economic development we have made it completely insignificant. Nobody from the parliament or the nation ever pays attention to the discussions of the railway budget.
The moment Railway Minister starts speaking, the statements that are greeted with applause are the ones related to increase in number of coaches or extension of some route or upgradation of some station.
We have divided railways in such small parts. We should not be satisfied if a coach is added and applaud it or feel happy if a new route is opened. We will not be satisfied with these petty gains. We have to both expand railways and also modernize it. We are aiming at both horizontal and vertical expansion of the railways. By horizontal expansion I mean expanding its reach to every nook and corner of the country. By vertical expansion I mean the upgradation of services which involves technology upgradation, speed enhancement to save time and enhancement of facilities. It will be our endeavour to see that railways truly become an engine facilitating the economic growth of the nation in true sense.
I have complete faith that under the dynamic leadership of our new Rail Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu railway will witness many fold progress in comparison to the progress made in the past 100 years. For the first time in the country’s history we have made a decision that of 100 % foreign direct investment. We are looking at 100% foreign investment in the railways. People will come, invest money, create moderns trains, create modern rail lines, modern signaling system will be implemented , modern ticketing system will be put in place – the entire railway system will be modernised.
In a country of 125 million everyone has been a passenger some or the other time. Some people travel once a year and some people travel many times in the same day but the underlying fact is that everyone travels. So you can imagine the large commercial market that exists. We can also strive towards making eco friendly and environment friendly railways. Thus we can play an important role in the fight against global warming arising out of mass transportation.
There are many facets which we want to involve in the creation of new systems using the railways. The entire functioning of the railways involves expertise, dedicated technology and continuous technology upgradation and for this human resources are required. Currently the railways advertise for vacancies and the people apply for jobs. Those who qualify for the interviews are subsequently trained for the services. We have thought of a new version which I am sure the new generation will definitely like. I have suggested establishing Railway University in four corners of the country. It will have all the courses and also courses dedicated to the functioning of railways. Thus on passing out, the youth will immediately find an employment opportunity with the railways.
Human resource development along with technology upgradation, improvement in speed and management, improvement in facilities and delivery of services - this is our agenda. Our railway stations which exist right in the heart of big cities extend for miles. Land today is a major premium. But our railway stations continue to be the same as they were a hundred years back. Same chairs and benches to sit, same services to the passengers. But can’t this all be changed? We have asked for the railway stations to be privatised. The trains keep running below and above them five star , seven star hotels, motels or malls can be erected. The sky above the train is open so utilize it for income generation and enhance the services delivered at the railway stations- this is what I have explained to them.
Railways have taken a call for the modernisation of some railway platforms. I hold the view that railway platform should be better than the airports. Because railway platform is used by the poorest of poor, the common man as well as a labourer hence the services at the railway platform have to change. You will see that within no time I will create 10 -12 model stations. Once this is attained, then the entire country will follow and our work will gain momentum.
Brothers and sisters, we have to bring about a dramatic change in the railways. Our endeavour should be to be the best in the world and for that whatever new technology is required we will bring it in.
By connecting the North East, this Ashta Lakshmi of India by rail we intend to make this region the most prosperous in India. We are working in that direction. I congratulate the railway officials and give them my best wishes. I congratulate the Rail ministry and the new Rail minister who will take this forward at a great speed. I congratulate the people of Meghalaya and Mizoram. I thank the governor and Chief Minister from all my heart. Let us all work to take our nation to new heights and our idea of progress should entail development for all, no region should be left behind. Let us move forward with the notion that development touches one and all, is inclusive and all encompassing, is fulfilling for everyone and extends everywhere. In taking this development forward, I thank everybody for their contribution. I express my gratitude to Shri Tarun ji.
Thank You.
(The original speech was in Hindi, this is the English rendering. Original speech remains the authoritative version)
Published By : Admin |
November 29, 2014 | 21:08 IST
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Ganga Expressway to become new lifeline of Uttar Pradesh’s development: PM Modi in Hardoi
April 29, 2026
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This transformative infrastructure project will boost connectivity and drive progress across Uttar Pradesh: PM
Just as Maa Ganga has been the lifeline of UP and this country for thousands of years, similarly, in this era of modern progress, this expressway passing near her, will become the new lifeline of UP's development: PM
Recently, I had the opportunity to dedicate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to the nation.
I had then remarked that these emerging expressways are the lifelines shaping the destiny of a developing India, and these modern pathways are today heralding India's bright future: PM
Ganga Expressway will not only connect one end of UP to the other, it will also bring limitless possibilities of the NCR closer: PM
Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
Ganga Maiya Ki Jai.
Ganga Maiya Ki Jai.
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak Ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Jitin Prasada Ji, Pankaj Chaudhary Ji, ministers of the UP government, Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly, other public representatives, and my dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in large numbers.
First of all, I bow to the sacred land of Lord Narasimha. Just a few kilometers from here flows the grace of Maa Ganga. Therefore, this entire region is no less than a pilgrimage. And I believe that this blessing of the Ganga Expressway to Uttar Pradesh is also the blessing of Maa Ganga. Now you can reach the Sangam in just a few hours, and also visit Baba in Kashi and return.
Friends,
Just as Maa Ganga has been the lifeline of UP and this country for thousands of years, in this era of modern progress, this expressway passing near her will become the new lifeline of UP’s development. It is also a wonderful coincidence that in the past four-five days, I have been in the presence of Maa Ganga. On 24 April, when I was in Bengal, I had darshan of Maa Ganga, and then yesterday I was in Kashi. This morning itself I had the fortune of darshan of Baba Vishwanath, Maa Annapurna, and Maa Ganga. And now I have the opportunity of inaugurating this expressway named after Maa Ganga. I am happy that the UP government has named this expressway after Maa Ganga. In this, our vision of development is reflected, and our heritage is also seen. I congratulate the crores of people of UP on the Ganga Expressway.
Friends,
Today is also an important day of the festival of democracy. In Bengal, the second phase of voting is happening at this time, and the news coming shows that heavy voting is happening in Bengal. Just like in the first phase, people are coming out of their homes in large numbers to vote, and pictures of long queues are all over social media. What had not happened in the past 6–7 decades, what was difficult even to imagine, this time voting in Bengal is happening in such a fearless environment. People are voting free from fear. This is a sacred symbol of the Constitution of the country and of the strengthening democracy of the country. I express gratitude to the great people of Bengal that they are so aware of their rights, voting in large numbers. Still many hours remain before voting ends, I urge the people of Bengal to participate in this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm.
Friends,
Some time ago when elections happened in Bihar, BJP-NDA registered a massive victory, created history. Just yesterday, results of elections in Gujarat for municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, nagar panchayats, and tehsil panchayats came. And you people of Uttar Pradesh will be happy, BJP has won 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats. And I am confident that in these five states’ elections also BJP is going to make a historic hat-trick of victories. The results of 4 May will strengthen the resolve of a developed India, and will fill the pace of the country’s development with new energy.
Friends,
For the rapid development of the country, we also have to build modern infrastructure quickly. In December 2021, I had come to Shahjahanpur to lay the foundation stone of the Ganga Expressway. It has not even been 5 years, and you see, among the largest expressways of the country, UP’s longest green corridor expressway has been completed within 5 years. Today its inauguration is also happening from Hardoi. Not only has the construction of the Ganga Expressway been completed, but work has also started on its expansion plan. Soon, the Ganga Expressway will extend beyond Meerut to reach Haridwar. For its better use, the Farrukhabad Link Expressway will be built, connecting it with other expressways. This is the vision of the double-engine government! This is the speed of the BJP government’s work! This is the way the BJP government works!
Brothers and sisters,
Just a few days ago I had the opportunity to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Then I had said that these newly built expressways are the palm lines of developed India, and these modern palm lines are today proclaiming the bright future of India.
Friends,
Now that era has gone, when one had to wait for decades for a road! Once an announcement was made, files would run for years! Stones would be laid for elections, then governments would come and go, but there would be no trace of work. Sometimes, to find old files, big officers had to work hard for two years. In the double-engine government, foundation stones are laid, and inaugurations also happen within a fixed time. That is why today, if there is more speed than UP’s expressways, it is the speed of UP’s development.
Friends,
This expressway is not just a high-speed road. It is a gateway of new possibilities, new dreams, new opportunities. The Ganga Expressway is about 600 kilometers long. In western UP-Meerut, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, and Badaun. In central UP-Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli. In eastern UP-Pratapgarh and Prayagraj, and other nearby districts. The Ganga Expressway will change the lives of crores of people in these areas.
Friends,
These regions have been blessed with the fertile soil of Ganga Ji and her tributaries. But because of the neglect of farmers by previous governments, farmers remained surrounded by difficulties! The crops of farmers here could not reach big markets. There was a lack of cold storage. There was a lack of logistics. Farmers did not get the right value for their hard work. Now solutions to those difficulties will also happen quickly. Through the Ganga Expressway, access to big markets will be achieved in less time. Infrastructure necessary for farming will be developed here. This will increase the income of our farmers.
Friends,
The Ganga Expressway not only connects one end of UP to the other, it will also bring closer the immense possibilities of NCR. Vehicles will run on the Ganga Expressway, and new industrial opportunities will develop along its sides. For this, industrial corridors are being developed in districts like Hardoi. Through this, new industries will come in all 12 districts including Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, Unnao. Clusters of different sectors like pharma, textile will be developed. New employment opportunities will also be created for the youth.
Friends,
Our youth are themselves setting new records with the strength of schemes like Mudra Yojana and ODOP. Here, small industries and MSMEs are being promoted. With better connectivity facilities, new paths will also open for them. The sports industry of Meerut, the handicrafts of Sambhal, the ceramics of Bulandshahr, the handloom of Hardoi, the leather of Unnao, the amla products of Pratapgarh-all these will reach the markets of the country and the world on a larger scale. The income of lakhs of families will increase from this. Tell me, could anyone even imagine in the old Samajwadi Party government that industrial corridors would be built in districts like Hardoi and Unnao? Could anyone ever think that an expressway would pass through our Hardoi? This work is possible only in the BJP government.
Friends,
Earlier Uttar Pradesh was called a backward and “BIMARU” state. The same Uttar Pradesh today is moving forward to become a 1 trillion dollar economy. This is a very big goal. But behind it is equally big preparation. Because UP has such immense capacity. UP has the potential of such a large youth population of the country. We are using this strength to make UP a manufacturing hub. New industries and factories will be set up in UP, when large-scale investment comes here, only then will the doors of economic progress open, and employment opportunities will be created for the youth.
Brothers and sisters,
Keeping this vision at the center, continuous work has been done in recent years. You yourselves are feeling it, the UP which was earlier identified with migration, today is known for investor summits and industrial corridors. In UP’s investor summit, companies come from the country and the world. Thousands of crores of rupees are being invested in UP. Today, if India is the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world, then UP has a very big contribution to it. Of all the mobiles India is making today, half are being made in our UP. Just a few weeks ago, I also laid the foundation stone of a semiconductor plant in Noida.
Friends,
You all know, in this era of AI, semiconductors are becoming such a big field. UP is moving forward to take the lead in that too. In the future, a very big area with immense opportunities is opening up for the people of UP.
Friends,
The industrial development of Uttar Pradesh today is also becoming India’s strategic strength. Today one of the country’s two defense corridors is in UP. Big defense companies are setting up their factories here. Missiles like BrahMos, which the world recognizes, are being made in UP today. For the manufacture of defense equipment, the small parts needed are being supplied by MSMEs. This is greatly benefiting the MSME sector of Uttar Pradesh. Even in small districts, youth can now dream of connecting with big industries.
Friends,
Today Uttar Pradesh is developing at such a fast pace because UP has changed old politics and created a new identity. Remember, there was a time when UP was identified with potholes. Today the same UP has become the state with the most expressways in the country. Earlier it was very difficult even to go to neighboring districts. But today there are 21 airports in Uttar Pradesh, 5 international airports. Now the inauguration of Noida International Airport has also happened. From the Ganga Expressway, Noida International Airport is just a few hours away.
Brothers and sisters,
Our Uttar Pradesh is the land of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. But previous governments, because of their misdeeds, had made crime and jungle raj the identity of UP. Films used to be made on UP’s mafias. But now UP’s law and order is given as an example across the country.
Brothers and sisters,
The Samajwadi Party members, whose hands lost power that used to distribute resources, do not like this progress of UP. They want to push UP back into the old era again. They want once again to divide and break society.
Friends,
The Samajwadi Party is both anti-development and anti-women. Just recently the country once again saw the real face of parties like SP and Congress. The NDA government at the Centre had brought the Nari Shakti Vandan amendment in Parliament. If this amendment had passed, then from the 2029 elections itself, women would have got reservation in Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha! A large number of our mothers and sisters would have become MPs and MLAs, reaching Delhi and Lucknow. That too, without reducing seats of any other category! But Samajwadi Party (SP) voted against this amendment bill.
Friends,
This bill would have increased seats in all states too. We had clearly said in Parliament, seats in all states would increase in the same proportion. But parties like DMK, which do politics by abusing UP, objected to why UP’s seats would increase. You see, the Samajwadi Party was echoing the same tune in Parliament. These SP members take your votes from here, and in Parliament stand with those who abuse the people of UP. That is why the people of UP say, the Samajwadi Party can never improve. These people will always do anti-women politics. They will always stand with appeasement and criminals. SP can never rise above family politics and caste politics. These people will always do anti-development politics. UP must remain cautious of SP and its allies.
Friends,
Today the country is moving forward with one resolve-the resolve of a developed India! Uttar Pradesh has a very big role in fulfilling this resolve. You are seeing, today the whole world is trapped in war, unrest, and instability. In big countries of the world, conditions are bad. But India is moving forward on the path of development at the same speed. Outside enemies do not like this. Some people sitting inside, hungry for power, are also trying to show India down. Yet, we are not only safe, but also creating new records of development. We are advancing the campaign of self-reliant India. We are building the most modern infrastructure. The Ganga Expressway is another strong step in this direction. I am confident, the possibilities that the Ganga Expressway will bring to our doors, the people of UP will realize them with their hard work and talent. With this resolve, I once again give you all many congratulations. Thank you very much!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.
Thank you very much!
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