Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 June inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately ₹2,970 crore in Daman, covering healthcare, civil aviation, tourism, connectivity, infrastructure and public welfare. The visit marked a significant investment push for the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

New Airport Terminal and NAMO Hospital

A centrepiece of the visit was the inauguration of the new terminal building at NAMO Airport in Daman. The upgraded facility is designed to improve regional air connectivity, support tourism growth and ease access for business travellers and visitors. The project is part of the Centre's broader push to integrate smaller Union Territories into India's expanding aviation network.

Modi also dedicated NAMO Hospital to the nation. The new healthcare facility is expected to expand access to advanced medical services for residents of Daman and surrounding areas, reducing their dependence on hospitals in larger cities. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the overall package spans healthcare, civil aviation, tourism, infrastructure development, public welfare and transport connectivity.

Lakshadweep Port Projects Worth ₹885 Crore

The visit also saw the laying of foundation stones for four major port-related projects in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, valued at approximately ₹885 crore. These cover port facility development on the eastern and western sides of both Kalpeni Island and Kadmat Island.

The multipurpose jetties, once operational, will enable year-round berthing of large passenger vessels — including cruise ships of up to 300 metres in length — and provide integrated facilities for fish handling, fuel distribution, ice supply and boat repair. The projects are expected to strengthen maritime connectivity, support local fishermen's livelihoods and promote island tourism.

Part of a ₹21,000-Crore Gujarat-Daman Blitz

The Daman programme was the second leg of Modi's 5 June visit. Earlier in the day, he reviewed industrial operations in Hazira, Surat and launched development projects worth nearly ₹18,800 crore across road, power, healthcare and industrial sectors in Gujarat. Combined, the projects announced across Gujarat and Daman during the single-day tour exceeded ₹21,000 crore in value.

What This Means for the Region

The investments represent one of the largest single-day development commitments to Union Territories in recent memory. For Daman — a small coastal UT that has historically relied on industrial activity and domestic tourism — the airport upgrade and hospital together address two longstanding gaps in public infrastructure. Notably, the Lakshadweep port projects could prove transformative for island communities that currently face logistical barriers to healthcare access and economic participation.

The government is expected to outline implementation timelines and contractor details in the coming weeks as project execution begins across the announced sectors.