PM Modi unveils ₹24,000 crore projects in Gujarat, besides flaging off first 9000 HP electric locomotive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth around ₹24,000 crore during his visit to Dahod, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s infrastructure and industrial capabilities. Addressing a public gathering, he described *Operation Sindoor* as a powerful symbol of India’s values and unity, noting that over 1.4 billion citizens are working together towards building a Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of self-reliance in manufacturing, asserting that the present time demands that everything essential for India’s growth should be produced within the country. He pointed to the increasing presence of Indian-made components in rail systems abroad, including in England, Saudi Arabia, France, Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy. “Our MSMEs and industries are achieving remarkable feats, exporting high-quality parts to global markets,” he said.

Modi also marked the date as personally meaningful, recalling that on May 26, 2014, he was sworn in as Prime Minister for the first time. “The journey began with the blessings of Gujarat and later, the trust of crores of Indians,” he remarked.

A major highlight of the day was the inauguration of Indian Railways’ Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Dahod, which will produce **9000 horsepower electric locomotives** for both domestic use and exports. The Prime Minister flagged off the first electric locomotive built at the plant, designed with regenerative braking systems aimed at reducing energy consumption and supporting sustainable rail operations. These powerful locomotives are expected to significantly boost Indian Railways’ freight capacity

Additionally, Modi inaugurated multiple infrastructure initiatives, including the launch of the Vande Bharat Express connecting Veraval to Ahmedabad, and a new Express train service between Valsad and Dahod.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held a vibrant roadshow in Vadodara, where enthusiastic crowds gathered along the route, showering him with flower petals and extending warm welcomes.

The series of projects launched during the visit are set to bolster Gujarat’s position as a key industrial and manufacturing hub, while contributing to India’s broader economic growth ambitions.