Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates and dedicates various development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod

Gujarat :26/5/25:The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod, Gujarat today. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that May 26 holds special significance as it marks the day he first took the oath as Prime Minister in 2014. He acknowledged the unwavering support and blessings of the people of Gujarat, who entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that this trust and encouragement have fueled his dedication to serving the country day and night. Over the years, India has taken decisions which were unprecedented and unimaginable, breaking free from decades-old constraints and advancing across every sector. “Today, the nation has emerged from an era of despair and darkness into a new age of confidence and optimism”, he added.

Shri Modi highlighted that Gujarat has made remarkable progress across multiple sectors, including education, IT, semiconductors, and tourism. He emphasized that the state has established itself as a leader in various industries. He remarked that a major semiconductor plant is being set up in Gujarat with an investment of thousands of crores, further strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor industry. He stated that these initiatives are creating new employment opportunities for lakhs of youth in Gujarat, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.

Underlining that Dahod, Vadodara, Godhra, Kalol, and Halol have collectively established a high-tech engineering and manufacturing corridor in Gujarat, the Prime Minister remarked that Vadodara is rapidly advancing in aircraft manufacturing, with the Airbus assembly line inaugurated a few months ago. He noted that Vadodara is also home to India’s first Gati Shakti University. He emphasized that Savli already has a major rail-car manufacturing factory, while Dahod now hosts a facility producing India’s most powerful locomotives—9,000-horsepower engines, marking a moment of pride for the nation. The Prime Minister stated that Godhra, Kalol, and Halol have a significant presence of manufacturing units, small industries, and MSMEs, contributing to Gujarat’s industrial growth. Envisioning a future where this region of Gujarat will be known for producing everything—from bicycles and motorcycles to railway engines and aircraft, the Prime Minister remarked that such a high-tech engineering and manufacturing corridor is rare globally, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as an industrial powerhouse.

Shri Modi expressed his deep respect and gratitude to the women of India for their unwavering support. He highlighted that Dahod is a land of sacrifice and dedication, recalling that Maharishi Dadhichi gave up his life on the banks of the Dudhimati River to protect creation. Shri Modi also noted that this region supported freedom fighter Tatya Tope in times of crisis and that Mangarh Dham stands as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Govind Guru and hundreds of tribal warriors. Emphasizing that India’s cultural values demand action against injustice, questioning whether the nation could remain silent after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Modi stated, “Operation Sindoor was not just a military action but a reflection of India’s values and emotions”.

Prime Minister remarked that the country born after partition has focused on hostility towards India and causing harm. “India, on the other hand, is committed to eradicating poverty, strengthening its economy, and achieving development”, he added. The Prime Minister highlighted that a developed India can only be built when both its armed forces and economy are strong. He stated that the government is continuously working in this direction, ensuring national security and economic growth go hand in hand.

Highlighting the immense potential of Dahod, stating that the event is just a glimpse of its capabilities, Shri Modi expressed full confidence in the hardworking people of Dahod, emphasizing that they will make the best use of the newly developed facilities and transform Dahod into one of the most developed districts in the country. He concluded by congratulating the people of Dahod once again, reaffirming his belief in their dedication and progress.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting & Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

In line with his commitment to enhancing connectivity and building world-class travel infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Locomotive Manufacturing plant of the Indian Railways in Dahod. This plant will produce electric locomotives of 9000 HP for domestic purposes and for export. He also flagged off the first electric locomotive manufactured from the plant. The locomotives will help in increasing freight loading capacity of Indian Railways. These locomotives will be equipped with regenerative braking systems, and are being designed to reduce energy consumption, which contributes to environmental sustainability.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod. The projects include rail projects and various projects of the Government of Gujarat.  He also flagged off Vande Bharat Express between Veraval and Ahmedabad & Express train between Valsad and Dahod stations.