‘PM Gati Shakti’ plan reduced cost of projects: Modi

Visakhapatnam, Nov 12 (Representative) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, while crediting the integrated view of development to PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, remarked that it has not only accelerated the pace of infrastructure construction but has also reduced the cost of projects. Speaking after laying the foundation stone and dedicating multiple projects worth over Rs 10,500 crore to the Nation here, he underlined the NDA government’s focus on the Blue Economy stating ‘it has become such a big priority for the first time”. He mentioned measures like Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen and the modernisation of Visakhapatnam fishing harbour that started Saturday. The Prime Minister began his address by recalling the time when he got the opportunity to visit Andhra Pradesh on the 125th birth anniversary of Viplav Veerudu Alluru Sitaramraju.Modi remarked that Visakhapatnam is a very special city with an extremely rich tradition of trade and business and pointed out that it being an important port in ancient India was part of the trade route to West Asia and Rome thousands of years ago. He said the port city still remain the central point of India’s trade today and in ages to come. The Prime Minister said the projects worth Rs 10,500 crore that were being dedicated and whose foundation stones were being laid, will serve as a medium to achieve the hopes and aspirations of Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh by opening up new dimensions in infrastructure, ease of living and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Modi also made a special mention of former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and said his love and dedication towards Andhra Pradesh remains unparalleled. The Prime Minister said, be it education or entrepreneurship, technology or medical profession, the people of Andhra Pradesh have made a prominent name for themselves in every field. He said that this recognition is not only a result of professional qualities but also the outgoing and jovial nature of the people of the state.Modi expressed delight at the projects being started today and said they will further the pace of development in the state. “In this Amrit Kaal”, the Prime Minister said, “the country is moving forward rapidly on the path of development with the objective of a developed India.” Remarking that the path to development is multidimensional, he said that it focuses on the needs and necessities of the common citizen and presents a roadmap for advanced infrastructure.He highlighted the government’s vision of inclusive growth and lamented the isolated approach to infrastructure development by the previous governments which resulted in higher logistics expenses and created a dent in the supply chain. The PM informed that the government adopted a new approach to infrastructure development as supply chain and logistics depend on multi-modal connectivity while focusing on an integrated view of development.

Giving an example of the integrated view of development from today’s projects, Modi listed out the 6-lane roads in the proposed economic corridor project, a separate road for port connectivity, the beautification of Visakhapatnam railway station and the construction of the state-of-the-art fishing harbour. “Multi-modal transport system is the future of every city and Visakhapatnam has taken a step in this direction”, he added. He said that Andhra Pradesh and its coastal regions will move ahead in this race of development with new momentum and energy. The Prime Minister referred to the troubled global climate and touched upon the supply chain disruption for critical products and energy needs. However, he said, India wrote a new chapter of development in these difficult times. The world has acknowledged this as experts are praising India’s achievements and “India has become the centre of hope for the entire world”, Modi said.This is made possible only because of the fact that “India is working while keeping the aspiration and needs of its citizens, he added. The Prime Minister referred to the PLI scheme, GST, IBC, and National Infrastructure pipeline as the cause of increased investment in India.

At the same time, he said, schemes for the welfare of the poor are being expanded. Modi also listed many steps like free ration to people for the last two-and-half years, Rs 6,000 every year in the account of every farmer, and easing of drone, gaming and start-up related rules. Emphasising the importance of clear goals, the Prime Minister gave the example of the extraction of deep water energy through modern technology in Andhra Pradesh. He highlighted that for centuries, the sea has been a source of prosperity for India and our seashores have acted as a gateway to this prosperity and emphasised that the projects worth thousands of crores which are going on for port lead development in the country will get a further expansion after today. “The India of the 21st century is bringing the holistic thought of development to the ground.” He expressed the belief that Andhra Pradesh will continue to play a pivotal role in this development drive of the country. AP Governor Biswabhusan Hairchandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Minister Ashvini Vaishnaw were also present on the occasion.