Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of transformative projects worth over ₹50,000 crore, spanning key sectors such as telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, and rural housing. The massive investment underscores the government’s focus on inclusive growth, regional connectivity, and empowerment of vulnerable communities.
Expanding India’s Telecom Reach
In a major push to strengthen India’s digital backbone, the Prime Minister commissioned more than 97,500 4G BSNL mobile towers, built at a cost of ₹37,000 crore using indigenous technology.
The initiative will provide mobile and internet connectivity to over 26,700 previously unconnected villages, including those in remote border regions and areas affected by left-wing extremism. Officials said the move will bring millions of citizens into the digital economy, enabling better access to education, e-governance, healthcare, and banking services.
“This project is a symbol of self-reliance and digital empowerment. No citizen should be left behind in the age of technology,” Modi said.
Boost to Higher Education and Skill Development
Reaffirming the government’s emphasis on education, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for the expansion of eight IITs, which will together create capacity for an additional 10,000 students over the next four years.
Alongside this, Modi launched a set of initiatives in Odisha to strengthen technical education and skill development, providing students and youth with tools to participate in the knowledge economy.
“These projects will prepare our students for the industries of tomorrow, bridging the gap between education and employment,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Housing for the Vulnerable: Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
As part of his outreach to disadvantaged groups, Modi distributed sanction orders to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana.
The scheme aims to provide pucca houses and financial assistance to rural families in need, including persons with disabilities, widows, terminally ill individuals, and victims of natural disasters.
Calling housing a “foundation of dignity,” Modi said, “Every family deserves a safe roof over their heads. With this scheme, we are not just giving houses but also giving hope.”
Strengthening Railway Connectivity
Adding momentum to India’s expanding railway network, the Prime Minister flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur (Odisha) and Udhna (Surat, Gujarat).
The train will connect important industrial and economic hubs, offering affordable, comfortable, and faster travel. Authorities said it would also boost tourism, generate jobs, and enhance trade between eastern and western India.
The Amrit Bharat Express is part of the government’s vision to modernize the railway sector while ensuring that the benefits reach the common man.
Multi-Sectoral Push for Growth
Apart from telecom, education, housing, and railways, the projects include initiatives in healthcare, rural infrastructure, and skill development, reflecting the Centre’s approach of simultaneous progress across multiple sectors.
Officials highlighted that these projects are designed not only to create employment opportunities but also to strengthen India’s long-term competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.
PM Modi’s Message: Inclusive Development
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said the projects will have a multiplier effect on the economy, accelerate regional growth, and bring tangible benefits to millions of citizens.
“These projects are not just numbers. They are part of a larger vision—of creating an India where development reaches every corner, where opportunities are not limited to cities but extend to villages, and where the benefits of technology and progress touch every life,” he said.
With this ₹50,000 crore boost, the government aims to balance infrastructure expansion with social empowerment, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.
