Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Major Infrastructure Projects in Delhi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated a series of development projects valued at Rs 33,500 crore in the national capital, emphasizing a stark contrast between the current BJP-led administration and the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Speaking at an event held on the DDA Ground in Burari, North Delhi, Modi asserted that since the BJP assumed power in Delhi in February 2025 after a 27-year hiatus, development initiatives have accelerated significantly.
Modi Criticizes AAP's Governance Approach
In his address, Modi directly targeted the AAP regime, which governed Delhi from 2015 until its defeat last year. He characterized the AAP government's methodology as "less work and more excuses," contrasting it with the BJP's model of "no excuses, only work." The Prime Minister highlighted that under AAP rule, projects often languished in bureaucratic files, whereas the current government is focused on ground-level implementation. "The launch of these projects is proof of how necessary it was for Delhi to be freed from the AAPda a year ago," Modi stated, using a colloquial term to refer to the AAP administration.
When contacted by The Times of India for a response to Modi's criticisms, AAP officials declined to comment.
Details of the Rs 33,500 Crore Project Package
The substantial investment package encompasses multiple infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing urban mobility and residential facilities. Key components include:
- Delhi Metro Expansion: Two new corridors under the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation—the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur (Pink Line) and Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park (Magenta Line)—along with three additional corridors as part of Phase V-A development.
- Housing Redevelopment: Projects worth Rs 15,200 crore under the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) plan, designed to modernize aging government housing colonies and create improved infrastructure for employees and administrative offices.
Modi explained that the new metro sections will significantly ease daily commutes for residents of East and North-East Delhi, as well as improve connectivity between Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurgaon. "If the AAPda government was not here, this project would have been completed much earlier," he remarked.
Broader Infrastructure and Social Initiatives
The Prime Minister also outlined other developmental efforts undertaken by the BJP government. He noted that modernizing infrastructure, including the recently inaugurated Namo Bharat train and expanding the metro network to 375 km, is crucial for projecting India's global confidence. "Under the double-engine government, every transport facility in Delhi is being upgraded," Modi said, citing the deployment of over 4,000 electric buses provided by the central government, with nearly 1,800 new buses added in the past year alone, including hundreds of Devi buses for local connectivity.
Modi accused the previous AAP government of stalling development projects for nearly a decade and neglecting public welfare. He highlighted initiatives like the Peripheral Expressway, which diverts lakhs of vehicles away from Delhi, and extensive projects to clean the Yamuna river. On healthcare, Modi stated that the AAP government ignored the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, whereas the BJP has now rolled it out in Delhi, providing free treatment through several Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Housing and Welfare Schemes
Earlier in the day, Modi visited Sarojini Nagar to review a newly constructed government housing project, where thousands of flats were handed over to beneficiaries. "These homes were built for government employees who work day and night to fulfil the nation's resolutions. It is important that they receive safe, clean, and convenient housing," he emphasized.
Additionally, Modi highlighted the success of the PM SVANidhi Yojana for street vendors, revealing that in Delhi alone, nearly 2 lakh vendors have received approximately Rs 350 crore under the scheme. He shared his pride after interacting with women street vendors who shared their success stories.
Local Leadership's Perspective
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who attended the event along with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, commented on the metro expansion, stating, "This unprecedented expansion of the metro will reduce traffic pressure and strengthen our resolve for a pollution-free Delhi."
The event underscored the BJP's commitment to accelerating infrastructure and social welfare projects in Delhi, positioning it as a transformative shift from the previous administration's governance style.
