
Bhavnagar (Gujarat), September 20 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of transformative projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore from Gujarat on Saturday. The high profile event, held at Jawahar Maidan in Bhavnagar under the banner of the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ programme, marked a major step towards India’s maritime growth, renewable energy push, and infrastructure expansion.
Major Maritime Boost
A key highlight of the event was the maritime sector, with PM Modi inaugurating projects worth over Rs 7,870 crore. These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s coastal and port infrastructure, enhancing both domestic trade and international connectivity.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock and laid the foundation stone for a new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Further developments include a cargo berth and container handling facilities at Paradip Port in Odisha, the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal in Gujarat, and modernization works at Kamarajar Port (Ennore, Tamil Nadu), Chennai Port, and Car Nicobar Island. Inland waterway facilities at Patna and Varanasi were also launched to improve river transport.
Gujarat Centric Projects
Alongside national maritime initiatives, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 26,354 crore in Gujarat. These span renewable energy, industrial infrastructure, healthcare, and urban transport.
Key projects included the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics and Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, and renewable energy initiatives such as the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative and 475 MW PM-KUSUM solar feeder for farmers. Smaller but significant contributions like the Badeli 45 MW Solar PV Project and the complete solarisation of Dhordo village were also launched, underlining Gujarat’s leadership in clean energy.
In the healthcare sector, foundation stones were laid for expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Sinh Government Hospital in Jamnagar. PM Modi also launched the four-laning of 70 km of national highways, aimed at strengthening connectivity and trade routes in the state.
Dholera Special Investment Region
PM Modi undertook an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), envisioned as a greenfield industrial city focused on sustainable industrialisation, smart infrastructure, and global investment. He also reviewed progress and later visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, linking India’s maritime legacy with its modern development vision.
Strengthening Self Reliance
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said that September 20 marks an important milestone in India’s maritime sector and self-reliance journey. He emphasized that the development projects worth Rs 34,200 crore will benefit people across India, boost employment, and accelerate industrial growth.
The event also witnessed the signing of several MoUs between government bodies and private players, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in driving India’s development.
With a focus on ports, clean energy, healthcare, and smart cities, the launch of development projects worth Rs 34,200 crore from Gujarat demonstrates India’s commitment to holistic growth and sustainable progress.