Gujarat, India – In a significant boost to regional development and tribal welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for an array of infrastructure and development projects valued at over ₹9,700 crore in Dediapada, Narmada district, Gujarat. This landmark event, held on November 15, 2025, coincided with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda. These initiatives underscore a strong commitment to empowering tribal communities and accelerating India’s overall progress.
The projects span crucial sectors including infrastructure, health, education, and heritage, with a particular focus on uplifting tribal regions. A highlight of the day was the “Grih Pravesh” (house-warming ceremony) for 100,000 homes built under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JAGUA). These schemes are instrumental in providing dignified housing and improving living standards for tribal families.
Beyond housing, the focus on education and cultural preservation was evident with the foundation stone being laid for 50 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools. Valued at over ₹2,320 crore, these schools are set to provide quality education to thousands of tribal children, paving the way for a brighter future and enhancing educational opportunities in remote areas. Further solidifying cultural preservation efforts, the Shri Govind Guru Chair Tribal Language Promotion Center was also announced. This center will be dedicated to studying various tribal dialects and preserving their rich stories and songs, ensuring that India’s diverse tribal heritage continues to thrive.
The push for enhanced connectivity and economic activity in tribal areas was also a central theme. Prime Minister Modi flagged off 250 new buses, a vital step to improve public transportation across 14 tribal districts of Gujarat. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for 748 km of new roads, significantly improving access and reducing travel time for these regions. To foster local economies, 14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres (TMMCs) under DA-JAGUA will be established, serving as crucial community hubs for trade and skill development. These initiatives are designed to bring essential services closer to people and integrate tribal areas more closely with the mainstream economy, driving “regional development” and improving “quality of life.”
Earlier on the same day, PM Modi reviewed the progress of one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), popularly known as the bullet train project. Visiting the under-construction Surat station, the Prime Minister assessed the advancements of this 508 km corridor, which covers 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. This high-speed rail project is set to revolutionize inter-city travel, dramatically reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours upon completion.
The Surat station design is a nod to the city’s world-renowned diamond industry, blending elegance with functionality. It promises seamless multi-modal connectivity, integrating with the Surat Metro, city buses, and the existing Indian Railways network. The project employs advanced engineering techniques, with 465 km (around 85 percent) of the route on viaducts to minimize land disturbance and enhance safety. With 326 km of viaduct work already completed and 17 out of 25 river bridges constructed, the project is rapidly advancing. This modern marvel is expected to significantly boost “business,” “tourism,” and overall “economic activity” along its entire route, setting a new benchmark for future-ready infrastructure in India.
These comprehensive development projects in Gujarat highlight India’s commitment to inclusive growth and building robust, modern infrastructure. From empowering tribal communities with better housing, education, and connectivity to revolutionizing travel with high-speed rail, Prime Minister Modi’s vision is clearly focused on fostering a progressive and equitable future for all citizens. These initiatives are vital components of India’s growth story, demonstrating how strategic investments can drive both social upliftment and economic prosperity across the nation.
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