Modi initiates massive development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore in Rajasthan

On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for extensive development initiatives in Bikaner, Rajasthan, which are valued at over Rs 26,000 crore. This event was attended by prominent figures, including the Governor of Rajasthan, Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal. The gathering also involved participation from 18 states and union territories, both in-person and online, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of this ambitious plan. During his address, PM Modi highlighted the rapid advancement in infrastructure over the past 11 years in India, mentioning that the country now invests six times more in infrastructure compared to prior years. He pointed out iconic projects that symbolize India's modernization, such as the Chenab Bridge, Sela Tunnel, Bogibeel Bridge, Atal Setu, and Pamban Bridge. The Prime Minister emphasized the enhanced railway advancements, including the operation of trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat, aligning these projects with India's goal of transforming its infrastructure landscape. He mentioned that over 1,300 railway stations are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with notable examples celebrating local art and heritage. In addition to rail transport, PM Modi shed light on investments in road infrastructure, stating that Rs 70,000 crore has been allocated to Rajasthan's road projects in the last decade, with this year alone seeing an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in railway development. At the event, he also introduced a new Bikaner-Mumbai train service, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing both urban and rural connectivity, alongside major health, sanitation, and energy projects catered to the state's development needs. Addressing the broader implication of these infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister asserted their role in driving employment and economic growth, directly benefiting workers, farmers, and the youth. He praised Rajasthan's industrial growth under Chief Minister Sharma's leadership and the state's emerging position as a hub for petroleum and food processing industries. In addition to the significant road and rail developments, PM Modi discussed the near-completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar economic corridor, which are expected to further boost connectivity and industrial growth. On the topic of water management, PM Modi acknowledged the historical legacy of Maharaja Ganga Singh, emphasizing ongoing irrigation and river-linking projects that aim to benefit multiple districts. He unveiled and laid the foundation for 25 state government projects, which include 750 km of newly developed state highways, nursing colleges, and water supply initiatives under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. Furthermore, the Prime Minister condemned a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reiterating India's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, outlining a military response strategy, and insisting that no distinctions would be made between terrorists and their state sponsors.