Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of development projects worth over 9,700 crore rupees in Dediapada town of the tribal-dominated Narmada district of Gujarat this afternoon. These Projects focus on infrastructure, health, education, and heritage, with particular emphasis on tribal empowerment. These projects were launched on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, marking 150th birth anniversary celebration of legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Addressing a gathering to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, Prime Minister Modi said, tribal pride has been an integral part of India’s consciousness for thousands of years. He highlighted that whenever the question of the country’s honor, self-respect, and self-rule has arisen, India’s tribal society has stood at the forefront. He emphasized that the country cannot forget the contribution of tribal society in the freedom movement. He also added that Shri Govind Guru Chair Tribal Language Promotion Center has also been established today where studies will be conducted on the dialects of all tribes. The Prime Minister said, stories and songs associated with them will also be preserved in the centre.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Modi visited the under-construction bullet train station in Gujarat’s Surat to review the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR). The Prime Minister landed at the Surat airport in the morning and reached the Antroli area, where a bullet train station is under construction. Mr Modi interacted with officials and reviewed the work. MAHSR, one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, spans approximately 508 km, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in India’s transportation infrastructure. Built with advanced engineering techniques on par with international standards, the project features 465 km (about 85 per cent of the route) on viaducts, ensuring minimal land disturbance and enhanced safety. So far, 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and 17 out of 25 river bridges have already been constructed.
Upon completion, the Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours, revolutionizing inter-city travel by making it faster, easier, and more comfortable. The project is expected to boost business, tourism, and economic activity along the entire corridor, catalyzing regional development.
The Surat-Bilimora section, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully completed. The design of the Surat station draws inspiration from the city’s world-renowned diamond industry, reflecting both elegance and functionality. The station has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring spacious waiting lounges, restrooms, and retail outlets. It will also offer seamless multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses, and the Indian Railways network.
Mr Modi offered prayers at the temple of Pandori Mata, the clan deity of the tribal community, in Devmogra village of Sagbara taluka.
