Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a major development push in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday during the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ program. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects across various sectors, totaling over Rs 34,200 crore. Modi highlighted the push for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—self-reliant India—as key to the nation’s future.
The spotlight fell on the maritime sector, with Modi launching initiatives worth more than Rs 7,870 crore. These upgrades boost key Indian ports and aim to strengthen the country’s ocean-based economy. Speaking to a huge crowd at Jawahar Maidan, Modi said, “This event in Bhavnagar is for the whole nation. We’re charting India’s path from the ocean to prosperity right here. I congratulate the people of Gujarat and Bhavnagar for hosting it.”
Modi also thanked everyone for his birthday wishes, calling the love from across India and the world his “greatest treasure and strength.” He warmed up to some children who gifted him paintings and sketches, thanking them and asking officials to collect the artwork.
Modi praised the ongoing ‘Sewa Pakhwada’—a 15-day service drive from Vishwakarma Jayanti to Gandhi Jayanti. “Millions are joining in across the country,” he noted. In Gujarat alone, over 1 lakh people donated blood in recent camps. Nationwide cleanliness drives drew lakhs of participants, and health camps focused on women got a big shoutout. “I thank everyone involved in these acts of service,” Modi added.
He paid tribute to Krishnakumar CG, who contributed to India’s unity under Sardar Patel. Modi said such patriots inspire the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ spirit today.
Diving into the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ theme, Modi called the ocean a massive opportunity for 21st-century India. He unveiled projects worth thousands of crores to speed up port development, including Mumbai’s new International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock to boost cruise tourism.
On self-reliance, Modi was clear: “We can’t leave the future of 140 crore Indians to others. Dependence won’t build our nation or secure our kids’ tomorrow. The answer to every challenge is Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Other maritime highlights include a new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, plus cargo berths and facilities at Paradip Port in Odisha, Tuna Tekra in Gujarat, and modernizations at Kamarajar Port in Tamil Nadu, Chennai Port, Car Nicobar Island, Deendayal Port in Kandla, and inland waterways in Patna and Varanasi.
Gujarat scored big with Rs 26,354 crore in projects spanning renewable energy, port infrastructure, roadways, healthcare, and urban transport. Key launches: the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, Acrylics and Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, and 475 MW PM-KUSUM solar feeder for farmers. Modi also inaugurated the Badeli 45 MW Solar PV Project and full solarization of Dhordo village.
In healthcare, he laid stones for expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital in Jamnagar. Plus, he launched four-laning of 70 km of national highways to ease connectivity and trade.
Later, Modi plans an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region—a futuristic greenfield city focused on sustainable industry, smart infrastructure, and global investments.
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