Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation projects worth over Rs 5500 crore in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The development projects focus on bolstering infrastructure and connectivity in the region where the railway and road projects will facilitate the movement of goods and services, thereby boosting trade and commerce and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for getting the opportunity to visit the glorious land of Mewar of Lord Shrinath. Referring to the projects which were dedicated and for which the foundation stone was laid today, he said that these projects will enhance Rajasthan’s connectivity where the six-laning of Udaipur to Shamlaji section of the National Highway will benefit Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara. Bilara-Jodhpur Section of NH-25 will ease access to border areas from Jodhpur.

“The Government of India believes in the mantra of development of the nation with the development of the state,” the Prime Minister remarked as he noted that Rajasthan is one of the largest states in India. Underlining that the state is the bearer of India’s courage, heritage and culture, he said that the pace of development in the country is directly related to the development of Rajasthan.

He noted that the central government is giving special emphasis to modern infrastructure in the state. He explained that modern infrastructure is not limited to railways and roadways but it also enhances connectivity between the villages and the cities, gives a boost to the facilities and connects the society, makes people’s lives easier by increasing digital connectivity. He further added that modern infrastructure not only promotes the heritage of the land but also gives impetus to development.

“Modern infrastructure is emerging as the power behind the resolve of a Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years,” the Prime Minister said as he underlined the unprecedented investments in every possible infrastructure in the country and the phenomenal pace of development. He noted that the central government is investing thousands of crores in every infrastructure sector, be it railways, airways or highways.

“Rajasthan has suffered a lot due to the lack of a futuristic vision for infrastructure in the country,” the Prime Minister remarked as he pointed out that the difficulties faced by the people were not limited to travelling from one place to another but also involved agriculture, businesses and industries.

Emphasizing the importance of the Railway in the life of the common citizen, the Prime Minister elaborated on the plans to modernize the railway through multi-pronged measures like modern trains, railway stations and tracks. He said Rajasthan has already got its first Vande Bharat. Gauge change of Mavli Marwar section and broad gauging of Ahmedabad and Udaipur route was also fulfilled. /BI/