PM Modi Lays Foundation for Development Projects Worth ₹7,600 Crore in Maharashtra

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating that Maharashtra was witnessing unprecedented development across sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for several major development projects in Maharashtra, totaling over ₹7,600 crore in value, during a video conference event. Among the highlights were the upgrade of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and the construction of a New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport. Additionally, 10 Government Medical Colleges were launched, and the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS), Mumbai along with the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) were inaugurated.

Infrastructure and Medical College Expansion

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating that Maharashtra was witnessing unprecedented development across sectors. He highlighted the expansion of Nagpur Airport and the new terminal at Shirdi Airport, which will improve regional connectivity and enhance the experience for millions of Sai Baba devotees.

Shri Modi also noted the importance of the 10 new Medical Colleges, which will create 900 additional medical seats, pushing the total in Maharashtra to 6,000. The new colleges, located across districts including Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Gadchiroli, are part of a broader government initiative to add 75,000 medical seats nationwide.

Fast-Tracking Development in MaharashtraRecalling his earlier visit to inaugurate projects worth ₹30,000 crore, Prime Minister Modi praised the fast-paced development in the state. He mentioned ongoing projects such as highway expansions, metro networks, solar energy parks, and Wadhawan Port, set to be India’s largest container port.

Shri Modi also celebrated the recent recognition of Marathi as a classical language, calling it a fulfillment of the dreams of millions of Maharashtrians. He emphasized that this acknowledgment strengthens not just the language but the cultural identity of its speakers.

Commitment to Farmers and Economic Progress

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to improving the lives of farmers, fishermen, and animal keepers. He pointed to recent steps taken to support the agricultural sector, including the removal of export restrictions on rice and onions and measures to increase cotton prices, all of which are aimed at boosting farmers' incomes.

A key focus of the speech was the government’s pro-poor agenda, with the Prime Minister citing successes such as lifting 25 crore people out of poverty. He highlighted programs like Ayushman Bharat, which provides free healthcare, and efforts to reduce the costs of essential medicines, cancer treatments, and stents.

Youth Empowerment and Skills Development

Shri Modi highlighted the government's efforts to align India’s youth with global job markets through projects like the Indian Institute of Skills and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, which focuses on education reform. For the first time, paid internships with a ₹5,000 stipend are being offered to students to help them gain valuable experience, a move that has already attracted participation from thousands of companies.

Global Recognition and Economic Growth

The Prime Minister emphasized that the world is now looking towards India, which has emerged as the fifth-largest economy. He pointed out that Maharashtra, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, has untapped potential in sectors like tourism, which could transform the state into a billion-dollar economy.

Shirdi’s new cargo complex, part of the airport upgrade, will significantly aid farmers by facilitating the export of produce like onions, grapes, and pomegranates, helping them access both domestic and international markets.

Vision for a Developed India

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), with every policy focused on the welfare of the poor, farmers, and youth. He expressed pride in Maharashtra's rapid progress and congratulated the people for the numerous development projects that are transforming the state.

The event was also attended virtually by Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.