I extend my greetings to everyone present in large numbers in Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region!
Today is a very significant and historic day for the resolution of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ along with Mumbai and Maharashtra. Even though this celebration of progress is taking place in Mumbai, its impact is seen across the entire country. Today, the country has got one of the world's largest sea bridges, the Atal Setu. This is evidence of our determination that we can face even the seas and conquer the waves for the development of Bharat. This event today is proof of success born from determination.
I cannot forget December 24, 2016, the day I came here for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link-Atal Setu. At that time, paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I had said, "Write it down, the country will change and the country will progress." In a system where the habit of delaying projects for years had developed, there was no hope left for the people. They thought that the big projects would never be completed in their lifetime; it was considered too difficult. Therefore, I had said, "Write it down, the country will change, and it will definitely change." This was Modi's guarantee at that time. And today, once again paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, offering my respects to Mumbra Devi, Siddhivinayak ji, I dedicate this Atal Setu to the people of Mumbai and the people of the country.
The completion of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link despite the crisis of COVID-19 is a great achievement. For us, the foundation stone laying ceremony and inauguration are not just a day's program. Neither is it for media coverage nor to impress the public. For us, every project is a means of ‘Navnirman’ of Bharat. Just as a tall building is constructed with each brick, similarly, the grand structure of a prosperous Bharat is being built with each project.
Friends,
Today, the foundation stone and inauguration have taken place for projects worth 33,000 crores of rupees connected to the development of the country, Mumbai, and Maharashtra. These projects are related to facilities such as roads, railways, metro, and water. Today, Mumbai has also received the modern 'Bharat Ratnam' and 'Nest 1' buildings, which will strengthen the business world. Most of these projects were initiated when the double-engine government was formed for the first time in Maharashtra. Therefore, I congratulate Devendra ji, Eknath Shinde ji, Ajit Pawar ji and the entire team for their efforts which led to these results.
Today, I also congratulate the sisters of Maharashtra. What greater fortune could there be than the presence of women in such large numbers and the blessings of these mothers and sisters? The empowerment of the country's mothers, sisters, and daughters, which Modi has guaranteed, is also being further advanced by the Maharashtra government. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sashaktikaran Abhiyan, Nari Shakti Doot app, and Lek Ladki Yojana are commendable efforts in this direction. Today, our mothers, sisters, and daughters have come in such large numbers to give us blessings in this event. It is equally essential for the ‘Nari Shakti’ of Bharat to come forward, lead, and contribute to the construction of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Our government is making continuous efforts to remove every obstacle in the way of mothers, sisters, and daughters, making their lives easier. Whether it is providing Ujjwala gas cylinders, the facility of free treatment under the Ayushman Yojana, Jan Dhan bank accounts, pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana, property registry in the names of women, depositing 6,000 rupees to the bank accounts of pregnant women, giving 26 weeks leave with salary to working women, providing more interest through Sukanya Samriddhi accounts - our government has taken care of every concern of women. The double engine government in any state ensures women's welfare, and that is our foremost guarantee. The schemes being launched today are also significant steps in this direction.
My family members,
In the past few days, discussions across the country are revolving around the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link-Atal Setu. Anyone who sees Atal Setu, anyone looking at its pictures, feels a sense of pride. Some are fascinated by its grandeur while some are mesmerized by its imposing image between the seas. Some are impressed by its engineering. Considering the amount of wire used in it, one could encircle the Earth twice. With the amount of iron and steel used in this project, 4 Howrah Bridges and 6 Statues of Liberty could be constructed. Some are happy that the distance between Mumbai and Raigad has reduced. The journey that used to take hours can now be completed in a few minutes. This will also bring Pune and Goa closer to Mumbai. I am especially grateful to the Japanese government for the assistance provided in the construction of this bridge. Today, I remember my dear friend, the late Shinzo Abe. We both had resolved to complete the construction of this bridge at the earliest.
But, my friends, we cannot limit our view of Atal Setu. Atal Setu is a triumphant proclamation of Bharat’s ambition, which the entire country called for in 2014. When I was given the responsibility during elections, I visited Raigad Fort some time before the 2014 elections. I spent some moments sitting in front of the memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The power to transform those resolutions into reality, the farsightedness to turn people's power into national power, everything came before my eyes as a blessing. It has been 10 years since that incident. In these 10 years, the country has seen its dreams come true, and its resolutions turn into achievements. Atal Setu is a reflection of that sentiment.
It brings new confidence for the youth. The path to a better future for them goes through modern infrastructure like Atal Setu. Atal Setu is an image of ‘Viksit Bharat’. It offers a glimpse of what a ‘Viksit Bharat’ will be like. There will be facilities for everyone, prosperity for all, speed and progress in ‘Viksit Bharat’. Distances will shrink and every corner of the country will be connected in the ‘Viksit Bharat’. Whether it is life or livelihood, everything will move forward constantly, without interruption. This is the message of Atal Setu.
My family members,
Over the past 10 years, Bharat has undergone a significant transformation, and it's worth discussing. The image of a changed Bharat becomes vivid when we recall Bharat from a decade ago. Ten years ago, discussions revolved around mega scams involving thousands and millions of crores. Today, conversations focus on the completion of mega-projects worth billions of rupees. The commitment to good governance is evident across the country.
The country has witnessed the completion of mega-projects like the Bhupen Hazarika Setu and Bogibeel Bridge in the Northeast. Today, projects like the Atal Tunnel and Chenab Bridge are being discussed. Expressways are being built one after another. Modern and grand railway stations are being constructed in Bharat. The Eastern and Western Freight Corridors are going to change the landscape of Indian Railways. Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are making travel easy and modern for the common people. Nowadays, new airports are inaugurated in different corners of the country every week.
Friends,
Over these years, several mega-projects have either been completed or are soon to be completed in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Just last year, the Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg was inaugurated. Work is progressing rapidly on projects like Navi Mumbai Airport and Coastal Road. The Coastal Road project is set to revolutionize connectivity in Mumbai. The Orange Gate, Eastern Freeway, and the underground tunnel at Marine Drive will enhance the ease of travel in Mumbai.
Mumbai is set to have its first bullet train in the coming years. The Delhi-Mumbai Economic Corridor will soon connect Maharashtra with Central and Northern India. Transmission line networks are being laid to connect Maharashtra with neighbouring states like Telangana and Chhattisgarh. In addition, projects like oil and gas pipelines, the Aurangabad Industrial City, Navi Mumbai Airport, and the Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Park are significant undertakings that will boost Maharashtra's economy.
My family members,
Today, the entire country is witnessing how taxpayers' money is being utilized for the development of the nation. However, for decades, those governing the country did not care about both time and taxpayers' money. As a result, either projects did not take off the ground or lingered on for decades in the previous era. Maharashtra has witnessed several such projects. The construction of the Nilwande Dam started five decades ago and was completed by our government. The Uran-Kharwa Kopar rail line project began nearly three decades ago, and this was also completed by the double engine government. The Navi Mumbai Metro project also faced delays for an extended period, but after the formation of the double engine government, progress has been made, and the first phase is now complete.
Even the planning for Atal Setu started many years ago. It was a long-felt need for Mumbai, but we were fortunate to complete it. You should remember that the Bandra-Worli Sea Link project is nearly five times smaller than the Atal Setu. It took more than 10 years to complete in the previous government, and the budget escalated four to five times. This was the way of working who were running the government at that time.
Friends,
Infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu not only provide convenience but also serve as significant employment generators. During its construction, around 17,000 labourers and 1,500 engineers were directly employed. Additionally, businesses related to transportation and other sectors created new employment opportunities. It will boost various businesses across the sector and enhance both Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.
My family members,
Today, Bharat’s development is happening on two tracks simultaneously. On one side, there is a massive campaign to improve the lives of the poor, and on the other side, mega-projects are underway in every corner of the country. We are running schemes like the Atal Pension Yojana and building projects like the Atal Setu. We are implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and constructing trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat. We are offering PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and also creating the PM GatiShakti. How is today's Bharat managing all this together? The answer lies in intention and dedication. Our government's intention is clear. Today, the dedication of the government is solely towards the nation and its citizens. And with the kind of intention and dedication we have, our policies and actions align accordingly.
The intention and dedication of those who governed the country for long periods have always been questionable. Their intention was solely to gain power, create a vote bank, and fill their coffers. Their dedication was not towards the citizens but only towards advancing their families. Therefore, they could neither think about ‘Viksit Bharat’ nor set targets for modern infrastructure. It is essential to understand the damage this caused to the country. Let me give you a figure: In the ten years before 2014, only 12 lakh crores of rupees were allocated for infrastructure. In contrast, our government has allocated 44 lakh crores of rupees for infrastructure in the last ten years. This is why we see such significant projects happening across the country. In Maharashtra alone, the Central Government has either completed or is working on infrastructure projects worth nearly 8 lakh crores of rupees. This amount is also creating new opportunities for employment in various sectors.
Friends,
Today, we are on a mission to ensure saturation i.e., 100% coverage of basic facilities to every family in the country. Under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the guaranteed vehicle of Modi is reaching every corner of the country. Modi's guarantee begins where others' hopes fade away. Our sisters and daughters have experienced the maximum benefit. Our sisters and daughters in villages and cities have benefited the most from every scheme, including cleanliness, education, healthcare, and income. Medicines are being provided with an 80% discount at PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Modi's guarantee is to provide pucca houses to sisters from economically weaker families. Those who were never considered before have been assisted by banks for the first time. The PM SVANidhi Yojana has benefited thousands of street vendor brothers and sisters here in Mumbai. Our government is also supporting women self-help groups. In recent years, we have made our numerous sisters as ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Now, my resolve is to make 2 crore women ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in the coming years. Some may be surprised to hear this figure, but my goal is to make 2 crore women as ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
The NDA government in Maharashtra has initiated a new campaign which will play a significant role in women's empowerment. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sashaktikaran Abhiyan and the Nari Shakti Doot Abhiyan will accelerate the development of women. I assure you that the double engine government will continue to work with the same dedication for the development of Maharashtra. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Maharashtra becomes a strong pillar of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for these new projects. I especially salute the mothers and sisters that you have blessed us with your presence in such large numbers.
Thank you very much.
