Bikaner (Rajasthan) [India], May 22 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹26,000 crore during his visit to Bikaner, Rajasthan on Thursday. Addressing a massive public gathering, the PM hailed the participation of citizens from 18 states and union territories who joined the event virtually, along with several governors, chief ministers, and public representatives.
PM Modi began his address by acknowledging the blessings of Karni Mata, affirming that these blessings reinforce India’s resolve to build a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He congratulated the people for the transformative initiatives launched during the event.
Infrastructure Boom: A New India in the Making
Emphasizing India’s rapid infrastructure growth, PM Modi stated that investment in infrastructure is now six times higher than in previous years, capturing global attention. He cited iconic national projects like the Chenab Bridge (J&K), Sela Tunnel (Arunachal), Bogibeel Bridge (Assam), Atal Setu (Mumbai), and Pamban Bridge (Tamil Nadu).
He spotlighted the transformative impact of railway modernization, referencing the Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains—now operating on nearly 70 routes, including remote areas. In the last 11 years, India has laid 34,000+ km of new railway tracks, eliminated all unmanned level crossings on broad-gauge lines, and built hundreds of overbridges and underpasses.
The PM also highlighted the development of dedicated freight corridors, India’s first bullet train project, and the modernization of 1,300 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations now reflect regional heritage and artistry—from Rajasthan’s Mandalgarh showcasing Rajput grandeur, to Gujarat’s Dakor, inspired by Ranchhodrai Ji.
Rajasthan Reaps the Rewards of Development
Focusing on Rajasthan, PM Modi revealed that nearly ₹70,000 crore has been invested in the state’s road network over the past decade, with ₹10,000 crore allocated this year for railway projects—15 times more than pre-2014 levels. He flagged off a new Bikaner-Mumbai train, further enhancing connectivity.
The PM noted the launch of health, water, and power projects across the state and praised CM Bhajanlal Sharma for pro-industry policies. These, he said, are accelerating urban and rural development and generating local employment opportunities.
Major connectivity projects like the six-lane Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (nearing completion in Rajasthan) are expected to catalyze the state’s industrial transformation.
Energy, Water & Sustainability
Highlighting the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Modi shared that over 40,000 Rajasthan households are now power-bill free and earning through solar energy. He inaugurated several power projects, underlining their role in boosting electricity supply and industrial output.
He also paid tribute to Maharaja Ganga Singh, who transformed Rajasthan’s desert into fertile land, and emphasized the critical importance of irrigation and water connectivity for western Rajasthan. The Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project, he said, would ensure water access across multiple districts, aiding agriculture and sustainability.
In conclusion, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holistic development and inclusive progress, stressing that every rupee spent on infrastructure directly uplifts citizens—from farmers and workers to entrepreneurs and youth.