PM lays foundation stone, inaugurates and dedicates various projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod
140 crore Indians are united in building a Viksit Bharat: PM
Everything we need for our country’s progress must be made right here, in India: PM
Unprecedented efforts have been made over the last 11 years for the development of tribal society: PM
Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, It is an expression of the values and sentiments of us Indians: PM
New Delhi (PIB): The Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod, Gujarat on 26 May, 2025. 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.
“140 crore Indians are united in building a Viksit Bharat”, exclaimed Shri Modi, emphasising the importance of manufacturing essential goods within India, stating that self-reliance is the need of the hour. He remarked that India is advancing rapidly in the global manufacturing sector, noting that both domestic production and exports are increasing consistently. India is now exporting a wide range of products, including smartphones, automobiles, toys, defense equipment, and medicines.
He further stated that India is not only manufacturing rail and metro technology but also exporting it globally. Citing Dahod as a prime example of this progress, where major projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and launched, Shri Modi highlighted the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory as a significant achievement. He recalled laying its foundation stone three years ago and expressed pride that the first electric locomotive has now been successfully manufactured. He flagged off the locomotive, marking a moment of pride for Gujarat and the entire nation. Additionally, he announced that Gujarat has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, calling it a remarkable milestone and congratulated the people of Gujarat for this achievement.
Reflecting on his long-standing connection with Dahod and recalling the many memories associated with the region, the Prime Minister remarked that he has been visiting Dahod for decades, and during his early years, he often explored the area on a bicycle. He highlighted that these experiences allowed him to understand both the challenges and potential of Dahod. Even after assuming office as Chief Minister, he continued to visit the region multiple times and took decisive steps to address its issues. He emphasized that every development initiative in Dahod brings him immense satisfaction, and today is yet another meaningful day for him.
Highlighting the rapid development of India’s railway sector over the past 10-11 years, Shri Modi emphasized the expansion of metro services and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains, transforming connectivity across the country. He remarked that Vande Bharat trains now operate on nearly 70 routes, further strengthening India’s transportation network. He announced the commencement of a new Vande Bharat Express between Ahmedabad and Veraval. Shri Modi further stated that the rise of modern trains in India is due to the country’s advancements in technology.
He emphasized that coaches and locomotives are now manufactured domestically, reducing reliance on imports. “India has emerged as a leading exporter of railway equipment”, stated Shri Modi, noting that India exports metro coaches to Australia and train coaches to England, Saudi Arabia, and France. He added that Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy also import railway-related components from India. Shri Modi further remarked that Indian passenger coaches are being used in Mozambique and Sri Lanka, and ‘Made in India’ locomotives are being exported to multiple countries. He stated that this reflects the continuous expansion of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reinforcing national pride.
“A strong railway network enhances convenience and boosts industries and agriculture”, remarked the Prime Minister, highlighting that several regions in India received railway connectivity for the first time in the past decade. He remarked that many areas in Gujarat previously had only small, slow-moving trains, but several narrow-gauge routes have now been expanded. Announcing the inauguration of multiple railway routes, including the new express train between Dahod and Valsad, which will greatly benefit the tribal belt, the Prime Minister stated that factories create large-scale employment opportunities for youth.
He highlighted that Dahod’s rail factory will manufacture 9,000-horsepower locomotives, significantly enhancing the power and capacity of India’s trains, noting that every locomotive produced in Dahod will bear the name of the city. The Prime Minister remarked that hundreds of locomotives will be built in the coming years, generating substantial employment for local youth. He emphasized that the factory will also support small-scale industries producing railway components, leading to economic growth in surrounding areas. He stated that employment opportunities extend beyond the factory, benefiting farmers, livestock owners, shopkeepers, and laborers, ensuring widespread economic progress.
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.
“The development of tribal regions is essential for building a developed India”, emphasised Shri Modi, underlining that unprecedented efforts have been made over the past 11 years to uplift tribal communities. He remarked that his long experience working in Gujarat’s tribal areas has contributed to national-level initiatives. Shri Modi recalled a time when tribal children in Gujarat faced challenges in studying science.
He highlighted that today, the entire tribal belt has access to quality education, with good colleges, ITIs, medical colleges, and two dedicated tribal universities serving these communities. Stating that the network of Eklavya Model Schools has strengthened significantly over the past 11 years, ensuring better educational opportunities for tribal students, Shri Modi noted that Dahod itself has several Eklavya Model Schools, further supporting tribal education.
Highlighting the significant efforts being made for the development of tribal communities across the country, the Prime Minister stated that for the first time in independent India’s history, a major scheme has been launched to uplift tribal villages. He remarked that the ‘Dhartii Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ is a landmark initiative, with the Central Government investing approximately ₹80,000 crore to implement the program. He stated that under this scheme, development work is being carried out in more than 60,000 villages across the country, including Gujarat. The Prime Minister highlighted that these villages are being equipped with electricity, water, roads, schools, and hospitals to improve the quality of life. He emphasized that pucca houses are being built for tribal families, ensuring better living conditions for the community.
Shri Modi emphasized his commitment to uplifting the most marginalized tribal communities, stating that his government prioritizes those who have long been overlooked. He highlighted that for the first time, the government has introduced the PM Janman Yojana to support particularly vulnerable tribal groups who have been deprived of essential facilities for decades. Shri Modi remarked that under this scheme, new infrastructure and amenities are being developed in tribal villages, and new employment opportunities are being created, ensuring greater economic and social inclusion for these communities.
Highlighting the launch of a national mission to free tribal communities from sickle cell anemia, the Prime Minister stated that millions of tribal citizens have already undergone screening under this initiative. He emphasized that the government is committed to accelerating the development of regions that have lagged behind. He noted that over 100 districts were previously classified as backward, with many of them being tribal-dominated areas. He remarked that Dahod was one such district, but today, it is progressing as an Aspirational District, undergoing a transformation with modern infrastructure and smart facilities. The Prime Minister highlighted that South Dahod faced severe water shortages, but now, hundreds of kilometers of pipelines have been laid, ensuring Narmada water reaches every household. He stated that over the past years, 11 lakh acres of land from Umargam to Ambaji have been connected to irrigation, making agriculture easier for tribal communities.
Acknowledging the overwhelming presence of thousands of women in Vadodara, who gathered to honor the nation and its armed forces, 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”.
He remarked that terrorists had no idea of the consequences of their actions, recalling the brutality of killing a father in front of his children. He stated that such images still ignite anger across the nation, as 140 crore Indians were challenged by terrorism. Shri Modi declared that he fulfilled his responsibility as the nation’s leader, giving full freedom to India’s armed forces, who then executed an operation unseen in decades. He highlighted that nine major terror hubs across the border were identified and destroyed in 22 minutes, and stated that Pakistan’s military attempted retaliation but was decisively defeated by Indian forces. Shri Modi reiterated his deep respect for the valor of India’s armed forces, saluting their courage and dedication from the sacred land of Dahod.
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, Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting & Electronics and Information Technology, 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, 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.