Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to Gujarat on August 25-26, inaugurating and laying the foundation for development projects worth over Rs 5,400 crore in Ahmedabad. These projects span urban development, energy, roads, and railways, highlighting the government’s push for infrastructure and connectivity.
Modi received a warm welcome at Ahmedabad Airport from Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister and BJP State President C R Patil, and senior state officials.
From the airport, PM Modi headed to Naroda for a two-kilometre roadshow from Haridarshan crossroads to Khodaldham ground in Nikol, where thousands lined the streets to greet him.
On August 25, at 6 PM, he addressed a public gathering at Khodaldham ground, dedicating multiple projects to the nation and laying foundations for others. The next day, he visited Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant to inaugurate localised production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag off exports of Suzuki’s first global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, to over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan.
In the rail sector, projects worth over Rs 1,400 crore were launched, including doubling the 65-km Mahesana-Palanpur line and converting gauges on Kalol-Kadi-Katosan and Bechraji-Ranuj routes. These upgrades will boost connectivity, tourism, and regional trade. Additionally, a new passenger service between Katosan Road and Sabarmati and a car-loaded freight service from Bechraji will enhance travel, logistics, and employment opportunities.
PM Modi inaugurated key infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, including the widening of the Viramgam-Khudad-Rampura road, six-lane underpasses on the Ahmedabad-Mehsana-Palanpur highway, and a railway overbridge on the Ahmedabad-Viramgam route. These initiatives aim to ease traffic, boost transport efficiency, and support industrial growth.
In the power sector, projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore under UGVCL were launched to modernise the distribution network, reduce losses, and ensure reliable electricity supply.
Urban development saw major upgrades with the redevelopment of slums at Ramapir No Tekro under PMAY (Urban), road widening on Sardar Patel Ring Road, and improvements to water and sewerage systems.
Additionally, the PM laid the foundation stone for a new Stamps and Registration Building in Ahmedabad West and a State-Level Data Storage Centre in Gandhinagar to strengthen citizen services and digital governance.
PM Modi vows protection ahead of US 50% tariff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message in support of small entrepreneurs and farmers, just two days before US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods takes effect.
Addressing a rally in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said, “Today, politics across the world is driven by economic interests. From this land of Gandhi, I assure my small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers, and animal husbandry brothers and sisters—your interests are paramount for Modi. I promise you again and again, I will protect you.”
He emphasised that his government will not allow any harm to small businesses, farmers, or livestock keepers. “No matter the pressure, we will strengthen our resolve. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is gaining momentum, and Gujarat’s two decades of hard work are a big driving force behind it,” he added.
The statement comes ahead of the US imposing a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports starting August 27.
Modi hails Ahmedabad as emerging tourism hub
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Ahmedabad is emerging as a major tourism hub, highlighting the recent Coldplay concert that drew global attention and positioned the city as a center for the concert economy.
He highlighted the two-day concert on January 25–26, 2025, saying, “The event captivated over 2.5 lakh people, with 1.3 lakh tickets sold, demonstrating Ahmedabad’s ability to host large-scale concerts and international events.”
On the city’s progress, he added, “Gujarat’s growth is the result of two decades of dedicated effort. Today, Ahmedabad stands among the safest cities in the country, and its rich heritage, from the historic gates to Sabarmati Ashram—is gaining worldwide recognition.”
He also praised the coordination behind the concert: “The successful execution, with seamless collaboration between the government, local authorities, and organisers, shows Ahmedabad’s potential to become a global destination for culture, sports, and tourism.”
Maruti Suzuki’s EV project turns India into global hub
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to secure critical minerals for the auto sector with the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at boosting exploration and domestic capacity.
“We are addressing the shortage of rare earth magnets in the auto industry through increased exploration under this mission,” Modi said after flagging off Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara.
Speaking at the launch event in Hansalpur, Gujarat, which marks the start of exports to over 100 countries and the inauguration of localised hybrid battery electrode production, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the occasion as a significant milestone in India’s Make in India journey.
“In this festive fervour of Ganesh Utsav, a new chapter is being added to India's Make in India mission. From today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to 100 countries, and hybrid battery electrode manufacturing has also begun,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to embrace swadeshi, emphasizing that what matters is Indian contribution, regardless of investment origin. “My definition of swadeshi is where money may come from anywhere, but the work is done by Indians. By this standard, Maruti Suzuki is a swadeshi company,” he said.
Highlighting the success of Make in India, PM Modi said global confidence in India is rising, citing a 500% increase in electronics production, 2,700% growth in mobile manufacturing, and 200% rise in defence output over the last decade. “The world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India,” he asserted, adding that India’s democracy, demographic advantage, and skilled workforce create a “win-win situation” for investors.
Recalling allotting land for Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in 2012, he said the company’s EV manufacturing for global markets, including Japan, symbolizes strong India-Japan ties and faith in India’s capabilities. “Companies like Maruti Suzuki have become brand ambassadors of Make in India. Soon EVs in dozens of countries will carry the label ‘Made in India,’” he added.
Maruti Suzuki’s e-Vitara project makes India a global hub for EV production, with exports to over 100 countries. The SUV offers 49 kWh and 61 kWh LFP battery options, FWD and AWD, and features like LED headlamps, 360° camera, sunroof, and ADAS. Alongside, Suzuki announced a Rs 70,000 crore investment over the next 5-6 years, as PM Modi inaugurated a lithium-ion battery plant by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso, and launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to secure rare earths for the auto sector.
