PM Modi inaugurates major railway projects worth over Rs 660 crore in Tatanagar, flags off six Vande Bharat trains in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: Giving a much-needed fillip to the railway infrastructure of Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several crucial railway projects worth over Rs 660 crore in Tatanagar, on Sunday in a function held in Ranchi through video conferencing.

As part of his visit, he also flagged-off six new Vande Bharat trains, strengthening connectivity across the region and enhancing the rail network in Eastern India. Furthermore, the Prime Minister distributed sanction letters to 32,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and released the first installment of ₹32 crore for housing development.

During his address, the Prime Minister paid his respects to Baba Baidyanath, Baba Basukinath, and Lord Birsa Munda, acknowledging the significance of the Karma Parv festival celebrated in Jharkhand. He praised the state for its potential to become one of the most prosperous in the country, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring Jharkhand’s development through various initiatives.

He noted: “Today, Jharkhand is witnessing a new dawn with the introduction of six Vande Bharat trains, crucial development projects, and the assurance of pucca houses for thousands of its residents under the PM Awas Yojna. This is a testament to our government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ mantra, which focuses on the development of every citizen, especially the poor, tribals, Dalits, women, youth, and farmers.”

Rail Connectivity Boosts Economic Growth

The Prime Minister emphasized that the expansion of rail connectivity would significantly enhance the region’s economy, benefiting businesses, students, and professionals. The six new Vande Bharat trains are set to provide faster, more efficient travel, promoting cultural exchange and boosting tourism. He highlighted the importance of the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat train, which would allow pilgrims to visit Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar, further promoting religious tourism. Additionally, the industrial development of Tatanagar is expected to create new employment opportunities for the local youth.

Modi also mentioned the Madhupur Bypass line, which aims to reduce travel time on the Howrah-Delhi mainline, and the Hazaribagh Town Coaching Depot, which will facilitate the maintenance of railway coaches. The Kurkura-Kanaroan line doubling project will strengthen rail connectivity to Jharkhand’s steel industries, fostering economic growth in the region.

50 railway stations in the state being revitalized

Modi highlighted the substantial increase in railway investments in Jharkhand, with over ₹7,000 crore allocated to improving infrastructure this year alone—16 times the budget provided ten years ago. He pointed out that more than 50 railway stations in the state are being revitalized under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Scheme, and the state’s railway lines are now 100% electrified.

Empowering the Underprivileged Through PM Awas Yojana-Gramin

In line with the government’s vision of “Housing for All,” Prime Minister Modi distributed sanction letters to 32,000 beneficiaries of PMAY-G. He underscored the importance of pucca houses in improving the quality of life for rural residents, noting that the scheme also provides essential amenities such as toilets, drinking water, electricity, and gas connections. “A house of one’s own boosts confidence and allows families to plan for a brighter future,” the Prime Minister said.

Additionally, the Prime Minister participated in the Griha Pravesh (housewarming) celebrations for 46,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries. He emphasized that the government’s efforts since 2014 have been focused on uplifting the poor, Dalits, and tribal communities, with initiatives like the PM Janman Yojana targeting the most backward tribes. These efforts, he said, are part of the government’s broader vision for a developed Jharkhand and India.

Governor Santosh Gangwar, and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare,  Shivraj Singh Chauhan, were present at the event at Tatanagar.