After Haryana, PM Modi's Maharashtra poll push: Developmental projects worth Rs 7,600 cr unveiled

PM Modi, during his address, also highlighted the classical language status granted to Marathi language recently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a series of development projects worth over Rs 7,600 crore in Maharashtra on Wednesday. He laid the foundation stones for the upgrades to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and the new Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport, both of which were unveiled via video conference.

Addressing through the video conference, PM Modi stated that Maharashtra has never experienced such rapid development of projects as it does now. Taking a dig at Congress, he further added that this same level of speed was evident in corruption during the Congress regime.

"Maharashtra has never before experienced development on such a large scale. During the Congress-led administration, the state faced widespread corruption across various sectors," noted the PM.

Hailing the developmental work underway in the state, the Prime Minister further added, "Today, Maharashtra is receiving the big gift of ten new medical colleges. Additionally, the foundation stone has been laid for the upgrade of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, along with a new integrated terminal building at Shirdi Airport".

He also added, "The metro system is being expanded, and airports across the state are undergoing upgrades. Various initiatives related to infrastructure, solar energy, and textiles are being launched in Maharashtra. Notably, the foundation for the largest container port, Vadhavan Port, has also been established".

The Nagpur airport upgradation is projected to cost around Rs 7,000 crore and will likely stimulate growth in various sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, benefiting Nagpur city and the larger Vidarbha region. The new Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 645 crore, meanwhile, aims to offer world-class facilities for the religious tourists visiting Shirdi. Notably, the design of the terminal will be inspired by the spiritual Neem tree associated with Saibaba.

He also noted, "The world is closely observing India, which has now emerged as the fifth-largest economy globally. India's economic prosperity is paving the way for numerous new opportunities, and its future is intricately linked to the global economy. Maharashtra, with its invaluable heritage and stunning natural landscapes, along with various spiritual centers, holds immense potential for economic development".

Launching an attack on the Congress, he said, "However, the Congress party has historically neglected both development and heritage," further lashing out, "Yesterday, the election results for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir were announced. Achieving a third consecutive term in Haryana is a historic milestone. The entire Congress ecosystem has been misleading the public, attempting to spread falsehoods among the Dalit community".

He added, "However, the Dalits have recognised that Congress aims to take away their reservations to benefit its own vote bank, leading to record support for the BJP. Congress also sought to incite farmers, but the farmers of Haryana appreciate the BJP's farmer-friendly initiatives. Additionally, Congress tried to manipulate the youth, yet they all trust the BJP for a brighter future. The people of Haryana have demonstrated that they will not be swayed by the divisive tactics of Congress and its urban Naxal allies."

PM Modi, during his address, also highlighted the classical language status granted to Marathi language recently. "The Marathi language has been deemed a classical language status. The dreams of crores of Maharashtrians has been fulfilled, and they celebrated. I keep receiving messages from them", he said.

Additionally, the Prime Minister launched ten new government medical colleges located in Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli, and Ambernath (Thane). These colleges will enhance both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and provide specialised tertiary healthcare services .

PM Modi also virtually inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS), Mumbai, aimed at developing an industry-ready workforce through advanced technology and hands-on training. This institute, established under a Public-Private Partnership between the Tata Education and Development Trust and the Government of India, plans to offer training in specialised fields such as mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, industrial automation, and robotics.