Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹12,200 crore in Delhi, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity and urban infrastructure. Among the highlights was the launch of the Namo Bharat corridor, connecting Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar, marking Delhi’s first Namo Bharat connectivity initiative.
During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s expanding urban mobility landscape, celebrating a key milestone: the country’s metro network now spans over 1,000 kilometres. “India’s metro journey has transformed over the last decade, and today, we are the third-largest metro network globally,” Modi said. He emphasised that India is poised to become the second-largest shortly with ongoing development.
Significant Developments Unveiled
- Inauguration of the Namo Bharat Corridor
A 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor was inaugurated, built at a cost of ₹4,600 crore. This initiative aims to revolutionize travel between Delhi and Meerut by providing high-speed, reliable, and comfortable connectivity. - Expansion of Delhi Metro Phase-IV
- A 2.8-kilometre stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park was inaugurated and developed at a cost of ₹1,200 crores. This is the first operational section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, benefiting West Delhi residents in areas like Krishna Park and Vikaspuri.Expansion of Delhi Metro Phase-IV:
- The foundation stone was laid for the 26.5-kilometer Rithala-Kundli corridor, a ₹6,230-crore project linking Delhi with Haryana’s Kundli region. Once completed, this extended Red Line will enhance connectivity across key industrial and residential zones, including Rohini, Bawana, and Narela.
- Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI)
Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art campus for CARI in Rohini, New Delhi. The ₹185-crore project will house integrated healthcare facilities, including administrative, outpatient, inpatient, and dedicated treatment blocks, boosting India’s position in traditional medicine and wellness research.
Progress in Urban Connectivity and Infrastructure
Reflecting on India’s rapid progress, the Prime Minister noted that before 2014, the metro network was limited to 248 kilometres in five cities. Over the last decade, over 752 kilometres of new metro lines have been inaugurated, extending metro connectivity to 21 cities. Modi lauded the government’s focus on infrastructure, with an annual budget growing from ₹2 lakh crore a decade ago to over ₹11 lakh crore today.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the integration of expressways, multi-modal logistics hubs, and freight corridors converging in Delhi-NCR, which are fostering economic growth and creating jobs for the youth.
“Heal in India” Vision
Modi outlined the government’s vision to establish India as a global health and wellness hub. With the expansion of AYUSH systems to over 100 countries and the introduction of an AYUSH visa for foreign nationals seeking traditional Indian treatments, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s potential to lead in healthcare innovation. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the establishment of a WHO institution for traditional medicine and the inauguration of the All India Institute of Ayurveda’s second phase.
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“Alongside ‘Make in India,’ the world will also embrace ‘Heal in India’ as a mantra,” Modi stated, reiterating the government’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Ms Atishi, along with other dignitaries. These projects mark a transformative step in Delhi’s development, with far-reaching benefits for its residents and surrounding regions.