In a major push to accelerate growth in north Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹20,000 crore in the Vav-Tharad region of Banaskantha district. The event saw the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, and other senior leaders.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister began on a cultural and emotional note, offering prayers to Mother Amba, Lord Dharnidharji, and Lord Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. He also extended warm greetings to women present, noting the recent conclusion of Navratri.
One of the key highlights of the visit was PM Modi’s landing at the newly operational Deesa Airbase, located close to the international border. Calling it both a strategic and developmental milestone, he noted that the project had remained pending for decades but was completed on priority by his government.
Sharing a personal connection with the region, the Prime Minister recalled his early days as an organisation worker, travelling across north Gujarat on a scooter. He fondly remembered being welcomed by local families with simple meals of bajra rotis, ghee, jaggery, and garlic chutney. Seeing familiar faces during the roadshow, he said, was a deeply emotional moment.
Reflecting on the past challenges of the region, PM Modi spoke about the harsh years when drought and water scarcity defined life in north Gujarat. Women often had to walk long distances to fetch water, and farmers struggled for stable incomes. He credited initiatives like the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana and the arrival of Narmada water for transforming the region’s fortunes. Today, Banaskantha has emerged as a major potato-producing hub, symbolising this change.
Highlighting Gujarat’s continuous development journey over the past 25 years, the Prime Minister pointed out how the state has consistently scaled new heights. From an urban development budget of ₹650 crore in 2005 to over ₹33,000 crore today, Gujarat’s growth story reflects sustained progress. He also mentioned approvals for hundreds of urban development projects and a state budget now exceeding ₹4 lakh crore.
Touching upon global challenges, PM Modi noted that many countries are grappling with instability and rising fuel prices. In contrast, he said, India has maintained stability through strong policy decisions and collective unity. Drawing parallels with the resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged citizens to continue standing together during uncertain times.
The projects announced span across critical sectors. In infrastructure, road upgrades such as the four-laning of the Idar-Vadali bypass and improvements on the Dholavira-Santalpur highway are expected to enhance connectivity. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway corridor was also dedicated to the region.
Rail connectivity received a boost with the gauge conversion of the Himatnagar-Khedbrahma line and the launch of a new train service connecting Khedbrahma, Himatnagar, and Asarwa, promising smoother travel for residents.
In the energy sector, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transmission projects linked to the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, which is set to generate 4.5 GW of power. He recalled the launch of Gujarat’s first solar park at Charanka in 2010 and expressed confidence that the state will become a global hub for renewable energy.
Additionally, around 40,000 families have benefited from permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, reflecting the government’s focus on improving living standards.
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Summing up the impact, PM Modi said these initiatives across roads, railways, energy, and housing will bring transformative change to Vav-Tharad, Banaskantha, and the entire north Gujarat region.
As north Gujarat continues its journey from water scarcity to infrastructure strength, the latest projects signal not just development on paper, but visible change in people’s everyday lives.
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