PM Modi inaugurates Rs 8,260-cr projects, hails Dhami govt for ‘courageous’ reforms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 8,260 crore across key sectors.

Addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand’s formation at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, the PM lauded the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government for its “courageous and decisive” measures on issues such as demographic change, illegal conversions, Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and riot control, describing Uttarakhand as a model for other states to follow.

He said the Dhami government’s commitment to implement the UCC reflected its seriousness on matters of national importance. “The UCC in Uttarakhand is a shining example of bold governance. The state has acted firmly on challenges like illegal conversion and law and order disturbances,” he said.

Modi added that the BJP government had taken “decisive steps” against land grabbing and demographic imbalances, asserting that its policies were rooted in national interest. “The progress of Uttarakhand in recent years shows how strong intent and good governance can transform a state,” he said.

Calling Uttarakhand a land of immense spiritual strength, Modi said the state had the potential to become the “spiritual capital of the world” in the coming years. “If Uttarakhand makes a firm resolve, it can establish itself as a global centre of spiritual power,” he said.

Reflecting on the state’s transformation over the past 25 years, Modi said Uttarakhand’s journey from a fledgling hill state to a fast-developing region had been remarkable. “When the state was formed, its annual budget was just Rs 4,000 crore; today it exceeds Rs 1 lakh crore. In these 25 years, power generation has quadrupled and the road network has doubled,” he said.

He added that air connectivity has expanded exponentially, from 4,000 passengers in six months to more than 4,000 travellers a day. “The number of engineering colleges has increased tenfold, and medical institutions have grown from one to 10. This growth reflects the inclusive vision and determination of the people of Uttarakhand,” he said.

The PM said infrastructure projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore were currently underway, including the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line and Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.

Modi also commended the state government for overcoming past hurdles that had slowed progress. “Despite numerous obstacles, Uttarakhand has kept the momentum of development intact. The double-engine government has shown what dedicated governance can achieve,” he said, assuring that the Centre would continue to support the state in its developmental journey.

The PM said, “Whenever I came here for spiritual retreats, I witnessed the strength and determination of those living in the mountains. That is why, after visiting Baba Kedar, I said this decade belongs to Uttarakhand and I said it with complete faith in you.”