Daijiworld Media Network - Gujarat
Vav-Tharad (Gujarat), Mar 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 19,806.9 crore in North Gujarat’s Vav-Tharad region, marking a major infrastructure and welfare push.
The projects, executed by both central and state governments, span key sectors including energy, transport, railways, urban infrastructure, and housing—aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth in the region.
The event was attended by senior leaders such as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with other state officials and representatives from various departments.
Among the major initiatives are renewable energy projects linked to the Khavda hybrid park in Kutch, highway expansion works, improved railway connectivity, and a wide range of state-led programmes covering urban development, water supply, healthcare, and tribal welfare.
In a significant housing boost, the Prime Minister also virtually presided over the griha pravesh (housewarming) ceremonies for 38,949 homes built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), benefiting families across 34 districts of Gujarat.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted Modi’s earlier tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, noting that efforts to expand roads, water supply, and electricity to remote villages had transformed regions like Banaskantha and Vav-Tharad, boosting agricultural incomes and reversing migration trends.
Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary emphasized the importance of connectivity and infrastructure, stating that improved transport networks would enable local produce to access wider markets across the country. He also noted that the supply of Narmada water and irrigation initiatives had played a crucial role in reducing migration from the region.
Chaudhary added that major water management efforts—including the Sujalam Sufalam scheme and a Rs 5,000-crore pipeline network across Banaskantha, Patan, and Vav-Tharad—are strengthening agricultural sustainability. The adoption of micro-irrigation systems and bio-CNG plants is also helping farmers generate additional income.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised Modi’s leadership, stating that India has remained resilient amid global challenges. He pointed out that policy measures, including fuel price adjustments, have helped shield citizens from international volatility while improving overall living standards.
The event marks one of the largest development rollouts in Gujarat in recent years, particularly for Vav-Tharad, a district carved out of Banaskantha in October 2025. The initiative underscores a focused push toward balanced regional development, enhanced infrastructure, and improved quality of life across both rural and urban areas.