Vav-Tharad (Gujarat), March 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched and initiated development projects valued at Rs 19,806.9 crore during a ceremony held in Vav-Tharad, located in Northern Gujarat.

The initiatives, facilitated by both the central and state governments, encompass various sectors such as energy, transportation, railways, urban infrastructure, and housing, showcasing a significant commitment to enhancing the region’s socio-economic framework.

This event was attended by prominent state officials, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, and representatives from both the central and state administrations.

During the event, the Prime Minister oversaw the launch of projects targeting several sectors, including renewable energy initiatives associated with the hybrid park in Khavda, highway enhancements, railway connectivity upgrades, and an extensive array of urban development works, as well as improvements in water supply, health, and tribal welfare.

Moreover, PM Modi virtually officiated the house-warming ceremonies for 38,949 homes completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) aimed at rural beneficiaries from 34 districts across Gujarat.

In his address, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi reflected on Modi’s earlier term as Chief Minister, emphasizing that during that time, “you committed to providing roads, water, electricity, and more to remote villages.”

Sanghavi asserted that the realization of that vision has resulted in transformative changes in Banaskantha and Vav-Tharad, significantly boosting farmers’ incomes.

He noted a reversal of the trend of rural-to-urban migration in Banaskantha, stating that improved infrastructure and job opportunities are attracting residents back to their villages.

Sanghavi also connected the initiatives to long-held aspirations that date back to India’s Independence: “We attained freedom in 1947, and in 2014, we gained a Prime Minister who actualizes the dreams of our freedom fighters,” he remarked, pointing out the government’s efforts to transition people from kutcha to pucca homes.

Assembly Speaker Chaudhary emphasized the significance of connectivity and economic growth, indicating that advancements in civil aviation and transportation would allow goods produced in Banaskantha and Vav-Tharad to reach “other regions of the country.”

He acknowledged the creation of the Vav-Tharad district as a pivotal development for the area.

Chaudhary also recalled historic migration patterns, noting that many had previously left the region for employment, but this trend has seen a decline following the introduction of Narmada water.

“The state launched the Sujalam Sufalam scheme to enhance water distribution, and a pipeline project costing approximately Rs 5,000 crore across Banaskantha, Patan, and Vav-Tharad is in progress to supply Narmada water,” he stated.

He also mentioned the implementation of micro-irrigation systems and the establishment of three bio-CNG plants, providing farmers with additional income derived from cow dung.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commended Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing efforts, declaring, “the whole nation takes pride in his leadership,” and noted that under his direction, India has maintained resilience in the face of global challenges.

“While numerous countries grappled with fuel and energy shortages, India has not, thanks to the central government’s decisions to lower excise duties on petrol and diesel,” he remarked.

Patel also highlighted that various initiatives have contributed to elevating the quality of life for citizens.

The inauguration in Vav-Tharad, a district formed in October 2025 from Banaskantha, represents one of the largest developmental investment initiatives in Gujarat in recent years, emphasizing a focused effort towards balanced regional growth and improved infrastructure in both rural and urban settings.