New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several railway projects valued at over ₹660 crore in Tatanagar, Jharkhand, on Sunday. During the event, he also distributed sanction letters to 32,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). Earlier in the day, Modi flagged off six Vande Bharat trains from Tatanagar Junction Railway Station via video conferencing.
In his address, the Prime Minister paid homage to Baba Baidyanath, Baba Basukinath, and Lord Birsa Munda. He also acknowledged the significance of the Karma Parv festival, a celebration of nature worship in Jharkhand, and shared that he was presented with a symbol of the festival by a woman at the Ranchi airport. Modi extended his best wishes for the festival and highlighted the developments in the state, including six new Vande Bharat trains, infrastructure projects worth over ₹600 crore, and new homes under PMAY-G. He congratulated the people of Jharkhand and other states receiving Vande Bharat connectivity.
Reflecting on past imbalances in development, Modi emphasized the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which prioritizes the poor, tribals, Dalits, women, youth, and farmers. He noted the growing demand for Vande Bharat trains across the country and the benefits of enhanced rail connectivity in Eastern India, including economic growth, better access for businesses, professionals, students, and increased cultural exchanges.
Modi spoke about the importance of modern railway infrastructure and mentioned the foundation stone for the Madhupur Bypass line in Deoghar, which will reduce travel times on the Howrah-Delhi route and improve connectivity to the steel industries. He also mentioned the Hazaribagh Town Coaching Depot, which will help with maintenance, and the doubling of the Kurkura-Kanaroan line, which will enhance rail links in the region.
The Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s increased investment in Jharkhand, noting that over ₹7,000 crore was allocated for railway infrastructure this year—16 times more than a decade ago. He praised the state for achieving 100% electrification of its railway lines and noted that more than 50 stations are being rejuvenated under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station scheme.
Modi also announced the launch of the first installment of PMAY-G in Jharkhand, which will provide thousands of families with pucca houses along with essential amenities like toilets, drinking water, electricity, and gas connections. He stressed that owning a home boosts self-confidence and motivates families to plan for a better future, and he highlighted the employment opportunities generated through the scheme.
Since 2014, Modi said, the government has taken significant steps to empower the country’s poor, Dalits, and tribal families. He mentioned the PM Janman Yojana, which is focused on reaching out to the most backward tribal communities and providing them with basic necessities like housing, roads, electricity, water, and education. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of Jharkhand and expressed confidence that the state’s aspirations will be realized with the people’s support.
Concluding his address, Modi apologized for being unable to attend the event in person due to poor weather conditions that grounded his helicopter, forcing him to inaugurate the projects via video conferencing.
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan were present at the event.
Background
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for key railway projects in Jharkhand, including the Madhupur Bypass line in Deoghar district and the Hazaribagh Town Coaching Depot. These projects will improve train operations on the Howrah-Delhi mainline and reduce travel times between Giridih and Jasidih. Additionally, the Kurkura-Kanaroan line doubling will enhance connectivity in the region and support the movement of goods and passengers. Four new road under bridges (RUBs) were also inaugurated to improve safety.
As part of his commitment to “Housing for All,” Modi distributed sanction letters to 32,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries from Jharkhand and released the first installment of assistance. He also participated in the Griha Pravesh celebrations of 46,000 families.