Pune, Sep 30 (Representative) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation various projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 11,200 crore via video conferencing on Sunday.Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled the cancellation of his event in Pune due to bad weather two days ago and credited technology for Sunday’s virtual event.Saying that Maharashtra is witnessing a new chapter in development, Modi mentioned the inauguration of the Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate and laying of foundation stone for Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 on Sunday.The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Savitribai Phule Memorial, which will include a skill development centre, a library, and other essential facilities.“Devotees of Bhagwan Vitthal have also received a special present today,” the Prime Minister said, referring to the inauguration of Solapur Airport to establish direct air connectivity to the city.He informed that the terminal capacity has increased and new services and facilities have been created for the passengers after the completion of the upgradation work of the existing airport, thereby increasing convenience for the devotees of Bhagwan Vitthal.He further added that the airport would also give a boost to businesses, industries and tourism and congratulated the people of Maharashtra for development projects.
“Today, Maharashtra needs big goals with new resolutions, ” the Prime Minister remarked, emphasizing the need to make cities like Pune a centre of progress and urban development.The Prime Minister recalled that discussions about Pune Metro began in 2008 but its foundation stone was laid in 2016 when quick decisions were taken by his government.Modi underscored the importance of development-driven governance in ensuring Maharashtra’s progress, emphasizing that any disruption in this continuity may lead to significant loss for the state.He highlighted various stalled projects, from Metro initiatives to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and critical irrigation projects for farmers, which were delayed before the advent of the double-engine government.The Prime Minister spoke about the Bidkin Industrial Area, a vital component of the Auric City conceptualized during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.The project, located on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor had faced obstacles but was revived under the leadership of the double-engine government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.The Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of women leadership in societal transformation. He paid tribute to Maharashtra’s legacy of women empowerment, particularly the efforts of Savitribai Phule, who initiated the movement for women’s education by opening first girls’ school.