Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant day-long visit to Gujarat on Saturday, focusing on infrastructure development and tribal welfare initiatives. The Prime Minister's itinerary included reviewing the progress of the ambitious bullet train project and launching development projects valued at nearly ten thousand crore rupees.
Bullet Train Station Inspection in Surat
Prime Minister Modi began his Gujarat tour by landing at Surat airport on Saturday morning and proceeding directly to the Antroli area where a bullet train station is currently under construction. During his visit, the Prime Minister thoroughly examined the ongoing work and held detailed discussions with officials overseeing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR) project.
The MAHSR represents one of India's most transformative infrastructure initiatives, spanning approximately 508 kilometers across two states. The alignment covers 352 kilometers through Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with the remaining 156 kilometers traversing Maharashtra.
Transformative Impact on Travel and Economy
Upon completion, the bullet train service is expected to revolutionize inter-city connectivity, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from several hours to just about two hours. The high-speed rail network will connect major urban centers including:
- Sabarmati and Ahmedabad
- Anand and Vadodara
- Bharuch and Surat
- Bilimora and Vapi
- Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai
Local business communities have expressed strong optimism about the project's potential benefits. Hardik Patel, a businessman, told IANS that "connectivity from Ahmedabad to Mumbai will become easier, particularly benefiting Surat's diamond industry and textile markets."
Echoing similar sentiments, textile businessman Kaushik Ramanuj noted that "the bullet train will greatly benefit Gujarat, especially its diamond and textile industries" and expressed confidence that following the Prime Minister's review, the project would be fully utilized soon.
Tribal Engagement and Major Project Launches
After concluding his bullet train review in Surat, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Devmogra village in Sagbara taluka, located approximately 23 kilometers from Dediapada town in Narmada district. In a significant cultural gesture, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the temple of Pandori Mata, the clan deity revered by the tribal community.
The Prime Minister's schedule included addressing a public gathering in Dediapada town to commemorate the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. During this event, Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and development projects with a combined value exceeding ₹9,700 crore.
These substantial investments in tribal-dominated Narmada district underscore the government's commitment to regional development and inclusive growth, combining cutting-edge infrastructure projects like the bullet train with targeted initiatives for tribal welfare and economic empowerment.
