Transportation is the key to development for any city and any country: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | December 18, 2018 | 14:30 IST
Transportation is the key to development for any city and any country. India is one of the world's countries where urbanization is taking place at a fast pace: Prime Minister Modi
PM Modi reiterates the government’s vision of ‘Housing for All’ by 2022 when India celebrates its 75th year of independence
After 2014 we decided that the speed of laying the metro line would also increase and scale would also increase: Prime Minister
Our government is continuously making efforts to enhance lives of middle class people: Prime Minister Modi
The central government is moving forward on the path of development. No corner of the country, no village or city should be untouched by development: PM Modi
Through our initiatives, we are strengthening the hands of the poor, bringing a qualitative change in their lives: Prime Minister
In the last 4 years, several new projects have been initiated for laying the Metro network in Mumbai: Prime Minister Modi

My dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in large numbers!

Mumbai and Thane are those parts of the country that have aided in fulfilling the dreams of the nation. Many ordinary people from small villages and towns have attained fame and prosperity here. Those who are born here and live here are generous and benevolent. The people here have offered a place in their hearts for everyone. This is the reason why the complete spectrum of India can be seen here. Whoever comes here gets immersed in the colour of Mumbai and becomes a part of the Marathi culture.

Brothers and sisters,

Today Mumbai is expanding and is undergoing all-round development. However, it is putting a pressure on the resources at the same time. Its impact can particularly be seen on its transport system, roads and railways. Keeping this in mind, in the last four or four and a half years, sustained efforts have been made to improve the transport system of several adjacent areas including Mumbai and Thane.

Foundation-stones of the projects worth more than Rs.33 thousand crores laid today also include 2 projects of metro lines. Besides, projects related to the construction of houses for 90000 poor and middle class families were started today in Thane.

Friends,

Transportation is an important dimension of any city or country's development. India is among those countries that are undergoing rapid urbanization.

As per a recent research study, in the coming decades, all the top 10 cities with fastest rate of development will be from India. That is, one strong factor of rapid development of our country is the people living in our cities.

Mumbai, in any case, has always been the centre of economic activities in our country. And in the future, this is going to expand. Therefore, after the BJP-led NDA government was formed at the centre, we started focusing upon the infrastructure of this place.

Several crores were allocated for the Mumbai local trains. The old railway bridges were modernized. Apart from Mumbai local, other modes of transport were also expanded, of which the metro rail system became one influential medium.

After the expansion of metro in Thane, it will provide a better connectivity to Mumbai, Thane and other nearby regions.

Friends,

The first project of the Mumbai metro came up in 2006. However, it is difficult to state as to where this project got stuck-up for eight years.

The first line could be started in 2014 and that too for just 11 kilometres. Only 11 kilometres in 8 years!

After 2014 we decided that both the speed as well as the scale of laying metro lines would be increased.

In the last four years, various new projects were started to lay a network of metro in Mumbai.

In keeping with this idea, the foundation-stones of two more metro lines were laid today. That is, in the next three years, 35 kilometres long metro line will be added to the existing network.

Besides, between 2022 and 2024, the people of Mumbai will get 275-km long metro line.

The projects whose foundation-stones have been laid today will not only benefit the people of cities like Thane , Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dahisar and Mira Bhavandar but will also put an end to the issue of traffic jams in Mumbai.

Friends,

These facilities are in accordance with not only today's requirements, but also with the needs of the year 2035.

Brothers and sisters,

We are trying to ensure that along with making your lives better and easier, the poor and the middle class people too get houses to live in.

The central government has decided that by 2022 when India will be celebrating 75 years of independence, every family of the country must have its own house with cemented roof. Moving towards the same goal, today the construction work for 90 thousand new houses has begun.

Friends,

Our work culture, attitude and speed are different from that of the previous government. The previous government had constructed only 25.5 lakh houses in the last four years of their tenure i.e. 25 lakh 50 thousand while in the last four years our government has constructed more than 1 crore 25 lakh houses for the people. This is more than 5 times. This means that if they had to make such a progress, it would have probably taken 2 generations to complete the work.

Under Pradhan Mantri Shahri Awas Yojana, 8 lakh houses are being constructed in the entire Maharashtra. Friends, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, good, society flats are being constructed for the homeless. And this will not be like the Adarsh society that was in news during the tenure of the previous government. In fact, Adarsh or an ideal society is being created in true terms where the dreams of ordinary men and women are nurtured and self-confidence for a better future develops.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, financial assistance of up to Rs.2.5 lakh is being deposited in the bank accounts by our government. That is the loan amount of Rs.2.5 lakh immediately gets reduced which means the poor and the middle class is getting help even in home loans.

Besides, the interest rates on home loans have also been reduced considerably compared to before. Under this scheme, interest subsidy of 6.5% is being provided to the people from Economically Weaker Sections and Low Income Groups by the government.

People from Middle Income Group have been provided an interest subsidy of 3-4%. This means if someone has taken a home loan of 20 lakh rupees for 20 years, then he will get an assistance of about Rs.6 lakh from the government during this period.

Friends,

As a result of these honest efforts of the government, lakhs of people have booked, purchased their first house in the last 1-1.5 year.

As per a report, the rate of buying a new house in the last 7-8 months has more than doubled compared to the previous year.

I am told that the scheme that is being launched today will also help such people. More than 85 thousand people in Maharashtra have received an assistance of Rs. 2000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Friends,

We are aiding the middle class not only for getting them a house but also for addressing all the related issues.

Till four years back, you are well aware of the kind of problems that you had to face while getting the house booked with your entire life's savings.

You were unable to get hold of your house because of arbitrariness and pernicious intensions of certain people. There also were cases where something was promised but entirely a different thing was delivered. Our government has made a great effort to curb this trend.

Today Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has been notified in most states of the country. The Tribunal too is in operation in 21 states.

I congratulate Fadnavis ji because Maharashtra is one of the states in the country which has implemented RERA first. Nearly 35,000 real estate projects and 27,000 real estate agents across the country have been registered. And Maharashtra has the highest number of projects in it.

Friends,

Just imagine, the real estate sector was in operation without any definite law for the past 70 years. Had the previous governments created similar laws before, then the home buyers wouldn't have had to approach the court and the real estate sector would have transparently flourished.

Brothers and sisters,

The government is relentlessly making efforts to help the lower and the middle income groups reduce their electricity bills. More than 30 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the country under UJALA scheme. Out of these, 2.25 crore bulbs have been distributed in Maharashtra and lakhs of bulbs have also been distributed in Thane. The work done by a 60 Watt bulb is not being done by bulbs of 7-8 Watt. This means that electricity is being saved and the electricity bill is getting reduced.

With the help of just this scheme, several families of this country are now able to save nearly Rs.16 thousand crores annually. Maharashtra alone has saved electricity bill of Rs.1100 Crores per year.

This was possible because we worked on LED bulbs on mission mode encouraged the companies to increase their production, promoted competition and removed the middlemen. Consequently, the LED bulbs that used to cost around Rs.250-300 till four years ago, now cost Rs.50.

Friends,

The central government is moving ahead on the path of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'. Efforts are being made so that no village, city or class of the country remains untouched by development. Schemes are being formulated and implemented so as to uplift the standard of living of the poor.

Under the Ujjwala scheme, free gas connections are being provided across the country to make the lives of the poor sisters smoke-free and also to save their time.

So far, about 6 crore connections have been given across the country of which more than 34 lakh sisters belong to Maharashtra including Thane.

Friends,

The doors of the banks are always open for those sisters who want to start their small businesses - like salon, tailoring, weaving, handicraft etc.

Under the MUDRA Yojana, loans between Rs 50 thousand and Rs.10 lakh is being given without guarantee. About 1.25 crore such loans have been given in Maharashtra, of which 1 crore are in the name of sisters.

Brothers and sisters,

Our aim is to provide a dignified life to the poor and the women.

Our government is dedicated to the five streams of development - education for children, income for the youth, medicines for the elderly, irrigation for the farmers and hearing for the masses.

In the end, once again, I congratulate you all for the new projects of development. I am really grateful to you all for coming here in such large numbers and showering your blessings.

I will be going to Pune from here. I will be launching and laying the foundation-stones of projects worth thousands of crores even there. I congratulate you for showing this great strength by assembling here in huge numbers!

Thanks a lot!

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.