Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, P K Mishra, visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday to review key indigenous defence projects, highlighting the government’s push for self-reliance in aerospace and infrastructure development.
During the visit, DK Sunil, CMD of HAL, and board members welcomed Mishra and provided an overview of HAL’s ongoing and future projects. Mishra began the tour at the LCA Mk 2 hangar at the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC), followed by visits to the LCA Tejas Assembly Hangar and Aerospace Division.
At the LCA Tejas Division, the Principal Secretary reviewed the production status of the LCA Tejas Mk 1A program. HAL showcased six Mk 1A fighters and two Mk 1 trainers, reaffirming its readiness to lead complex multi-stakeholder defence programs in the future.
Earlier on June 16, Mishra conducted high-level inspections in Dholera and Lothal, Gujarat, evaluating multiple strategic infrastructure projects aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for industrial and economic growth, according to a release from the PMO.
He visited the under-construction Ahmedabad-Dholera Greenfield Expressway, a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project expected to cut travel time to 45 minutes between the two cities. Emphasising world-class quality, Mishra urged for timely execution of the expressway.
At the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), Mishra assessed the status of the Dholera International Airport, where officials briefed him that cargo operations are slated to begin by October 2025. He emphasised efficient linkage with the expressway to ensure seamless connectivity.
One of the major highlights was his inspection of Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Fabrication (Fab) project, which represents a key initiative in India’s push for domestic chip manufacturing. The fab will produce chips for mobile devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics.
He also reviewed social infrastructure in Dholera—schools, hospitals, and residential complexes—developed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL), urging integration of stakeholder feedback to enhance user experience.
Mishra chaired a comprehensive inter-agency review meeting with senior officials from DICDL, DIACL, NHAI, Airports Authority of India, and Indian Railways, evaluating projects like the:
- Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway
- Bhimnath-Dholera Freight Rail Link
- Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Line
- Dholera International Airport
He reiterated the Government of Gujarat’s commitment to developing Dholera into a world-class smart industrial city, stressing the need for timely execution, skilled manpower, and strategic foresight in planning.
These visits underscore the Centre’s focused drive to accelerate India’s self-reliance in defence and to transform Dholera into a global hub of innovation and industry.