PM Modi inaugurates key Western Freight Corridor sections in Vadodara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor in Vadodara, hailing the 2,800-km network as a major development achievement. He also targeted critics, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and urged youth to gain expertise in artificial intelligence

Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed those who question his government’s development record, once again calling them “Naraz Fufa” (angry uncle).

Speaking at the NaMo for Viksit Bharat programme in Gujarat’s Vadodara, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 35,000 crore, Modi said the country’s work culture had transformed over the last 12 years after the BJP came to power.

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The projects include a 2,800-kilometre dedicated freight corridor, which Modi called a “historic achievement for the 21st century”.

Taking a swipe at those who would question the utility of the corridor project, Modi said, “One Naraz Fufa ji will say: What will the truck drivers do?” “Naraz Fufa now has work,” he said, without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

“After 2014, India built 50,000 modern rail coaches, but the previous (Congress) regime could not build even 50,000 toilets in 10 years,” Modi said.

Modi inaugurated three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai with Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, marking the completion of the project.

“Dedicated freight corridors are the lifeline of a fast-developing India. India’s transformation is accelerating because of this modern freight network,” Modi said.

Earlier, passenger and goods trains had to run on the same tracks, slowing down both passenger travel and freight movement, but the Dedicated Freight Corridor has changed this, he said.

“After 2014, with your blessings, when I reached Delhi, and as soon as we arrived there, we began accelerating this project. Work on the 2,800-km dedicated freight corridors has been completed today,” he said.

“Today, the Eastern and Western Freight Corridors are becoming the main backbone of the country’s trade and business,” Modi said.

The 2,800-km-long Dedicated Freight Corridor is a testament to how the country’s work culture has transformed over the past 12 years, Modi said.

“The idea for this Dedicated Freight Corridor began in 2004. In 2006, a special company was established to carry out this work, and until 2014, files just kept shuffling from one place to another.

“Unfortunately, even these files weren’t fortunate enough to get a dedicated corridor. The files would get stuck, hang around and wander aimlessly,” Modi said.

Modi took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ initiative, saying youngsters would stand with the truth and not be misled by what he termed “Jhooth ki Goonj” (echo of lies).

“At every nook and corner, you will find people who will try to mislead you through ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’, but today’s youth will stand with the truth,” the PM said.

‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ is a student-dialogue campaign launched by the Congress, under which programmes are being organised in various cities across the country.

Through the campaign, the Opposition party is attempting to corner the ruling BJP on issues such as exam question paper leaks, costly education, irregularities in government recruitment and unemployment.

The prime minister said the youth could see how focused the government was on working across sectors, including solar, wind, hydro and nuclear energy.

Modi also urged the youth to develop expertise in artificial intelligence (AI).

“The youth of the country have to become experts in AI, and we want our youth to excel in the field,” he added.

Modi flagged off freight train services from New Sanand, New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT in Navi Mumbai. He also flagged off a passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara. PTI