On September 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that “New India” is a “land of new opportunities,” referring to the commissioning of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, into the navy. While this was a proud moment for all citizens, the prime minister stated that it was in line with India’s push to develop cutting-edge infrastructure.
‘New India’ is the land of new opportunities. Commissioning of INS Vikrant is a proud moment for all citizens. We’ve launched various industrial projects (in Mangaluru). These projects will help in strengthening trade and commerce with an increase in ease of doing business,” said Prime Minister Modi, addressing a public meeting in Mangaluru after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of mechanisation and industrialisation projects worth Rs 3,800 crore through ‘remote control’ in the port city. The PM arrived at Mangaluru and was received by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai among others.
‘Make in India’ needed to be expanded for developed India
The PM emphasised the importance of infrastructure growth in the development of modern India, saying port capacity in the country had doubled in the last eight years and that the manufacturing sector and ‘Make in India’ needed to be expanded for a developed India.
Modi spoke about the central government’s focus on infrastructure development and praised Karnataka’s “double engine” government for working quickly to meet people’s needs and aspirations. He stated that the technology used in Karnataka’s refineries was in line with the state’s vision of “Green Growth.”
“In the 21st century, India is moving forward with the vision of ‘Green Growth’. The technology used in Karnataka’s refineries are in sync with this objective. During ‘Amrit Kaal’, India is moving forward with the
mindset of ‘Green Growth’ and ‘Green Jobs’,” he added.
He also said infrastructure, increased export and success of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative were crucial to the development of India, and the Centre was on the path of developing such infrastructure for better logistics. He added that superior infrastructure meant creation of new jobs and opportunities.
‘One District One Product’ programme
Talking about the impact of infrastructure development in Karnataka, he said grassroots workers such as artisans and fishermen would get better market opportunities. “Through ‘One District One Product’ programme, we’ll be able to open market opportunities for artisans in Karnataka. Success of ‘Make in India’, increasing exports are crucial for development of India. To support this, we’re developing our infrastructure for better logistics,” he added.
Modi also said, “Kisan credit cards have been given to fishermen in Karnataka. We are also working on providing better boats and technology to fishermen to increase their incomes… In the last eight years, the number of cities with metro facilities has increased fourfold.”
Giving a national example of the impact of infrastructure development at the grassroots, Modi said Ayushman Bharat had made quality healthcare affordable for the poor, and had ensured families were burdened by a debt of medical expenses.
“Ayushman Bharat has played an important role in ensuring the poor are able to afford quality healthcare & their families do not become debt-ridden due to medical expenses. With the world’s largest insurance scheme, we have taken healthcare to the grassroots,” the PM said, adding, “today’s India is focused on the development on state-of-the-art infrastructure, as this is the road to developed India. Through infrastructure development we can create new jobs and create new opportunities.”
Projects announced by PM Modi
Among the projects announced by the PM was a Rs 280 crore project by the New Mangalore Port Authority to mechanise Berth No 14 for handling containers and other cargo. He also laid the groundwork for five port projects worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore. The PM also dedicated two Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited projects, the BS VI Upgradation Project and the Sea Water Desalination Plant, worth Rs 1,830 crore and Rs 680 crore, respectively.
According to an official statement, the sea water desalination plant will help reduce reliance on fresh water while also ensuring a consistent supply of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals throughout the year. The plant converts seawater into water needed for refinery processes, with a capacity of 30 million litres per day.
