Did PM Modi inaugurate significant development projects in Gujarat while emphasizing 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'?

Bhavnagar, Sep 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' programme on Saturday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects across various sectors worth over Rs 34,200 crore, emphasizing the significance of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

A primary focus of the event was the maritime sector, with PM Modi inaugurating and launching initiatives surpassing Rs 7,870 crore. These projects include vital infrastructure improvements at key Indian ports.

Addressing the large assembly at Jawahar Maidan in Bhavnagar, PM Modi stated, "This event is being hosted in Bhavnagar, but it is for the entire nation. Today, we are determining the trajectory of India from 'Samudra' (ocean) to 'Samridhhi' (prosperity), with Bhavnagar as the focal point. I congratulate the people of Gujarat and Bhavnagar for this."

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for the birthday greetings he received, saying, "The love and blessings from every corner of India and the world are my most significant treasure and strength."

Numerous children created art pieces for the Prime Minister. Upon seeing this, he expressed his gratitude and instructed officials to gather the artwork.

Celebrating the 'Sewa Pakhwada' events, PM Modi remarked, "From Vishwakarma Jayanti to Gandhi Jayanti, from September 17 to October 2, millions across the country are engaging in 'Sewa Pakhwada'. I have been informed that a 15-day 'Sewa Pakhwada' is currently underway in Gujarat. Over the last few days, numerous activities have taken place."

"Blood donation camps have been organized at various locations, with over 1 lakh individuals donating blood. This is just the information from Gujarat. Lakhs more have participated in cleanliness drives nationwide," he stated.

"Health camps are also being arranged throughout the country, with a particular focus on women. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in these service initiatives," he added.

PM Modi also paid tribute to Krishnakumar CG, saying, "By joining Sardar Sahab's mission, he made a substantial contribution to India's unity. Inspired by such great patriots, we are reinforcing India's unity and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'."

Discussing the 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' programme, the Prime Minister stated, "21st-century India views the ocean as a vast opportunity. Recently, several projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and had their foundations laid here to enhance port development. An International Cruise Terminal was also inaugurated today in Mumbai to promote cruise tourism in the country."

Stressing the necessity of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', PM Modi asserted, "We cannot entrust the future of 140 crore citizens to others. We cannot base the nation's progress on external dependencies. The future of the next generations must not be jeopardized... The solution to all challenges lies in an Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

Among the programme's highlights was the inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock and the laying of the foundation for a new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.

Additional maritime advancements include a new cargo berth and container handling facilities at Paradip Port (Odisha), Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal in Gujarat, and modernization projects at Kamarajar Port (Ennore, Tamil Nadu), Chennai Port, Car Nicobar Island, Deendayal Port (Kandla), along with inland waterway facilities in Patna and Varanasi.

The Prime Minister unveiled a significant portfolio of projects valued at Rs 26,354 crore in Gujarat alone, focusing on areas like renewable energy, port infrastructure, roadways, healthcare, and urban transport.

Key initiatives based in Gujarat included the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics and Oxo Alcohol Project at the Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, and the 475 MW PM-KUSUM solar feeder for farmers.

The inauguration also included the Badeli 45 MW Solar PV Project and the complete solarization of Dhordo village.

In the healthcare and urban infrastructure sectors, foundation stones were laid for expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital in Jamnagar.

PM Modi also initiated the four-laning of 70 kilometers of national highways, enhancing connectivity and trade routes in the state.

The Prime Minister is set to conduct an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region, envisioned as a greenfield industrial city focused on sustainable industrialization, smart infrastructure, and global investment.