Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering in Bengaluru on August 10, described the city as a “symbol of New India’s rise,” blending deep philosophical heritage with cutting-edge technological innovation. He hailed Karnataka’s talent pool, particularly Bengaluru’s youth, for driving India’s advancements across sectors such as information technology, start-ups, and defence manufacturing.
Operation Sindoor: Showcase of India’s Defence Power
Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, PM Modi said the world had “witnessed the new face of New India” when Indian armed forces destroyed terrorist hideouts deep inside enemy territory and compelled Pakistan to retreat “within hours.”
He credited this swift and decisive military success to: Cutting-edge indigenous defence technology, the government’s Make in India initiative in defence production.
“Today, our armed forces are equipped with the latest technology built in India, for India, and by Indians,” he said, underlining that India’s growing defence capabilities were essential for securing national interests and ensuring regional stability.
Infrastructure Growth: From Metro Expansion to Rail Electrification
PM Modi also outlined the government’s achievements in building modern infrastructure:
- Metro networks expanded to 24 cities across the country.
- The number of airports has doubled since 2014.
- Over 40,000 km of railway routes are electrified.
- Record growth in exports of electronics, automobiles, and mobile phones.
Call for Self-Reliance in Technology
Urging India to push forward on the path of self-reliance, PM Modi reiterated the “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing mantra, aiming for products of flawless quality that have minimal environmental impact. He emphasised the need for continued reforms to simplify laws and improve governance efficiency, ensuring India’s global competitiveness.
Metro Milestone: Inauguration of Yellow Line and Phase-3 Launch
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Yellow Line of the Bangalore Metro, a 19-km stretch from RV Road (Ragigudda) to Bommasandra with 16 stations, built at a cost of Rs 7,160 crore. With its opening, Bengaluru’s operational metro network now covers over 96 km.
He also laid the foundation stone for Phase-3 of the Bengaluru Metro, worth Rs 15,610 crore, which will add 44 km of elevated tracks and 31 stations, targeting decongestion in key residential, industrial, and educational zones.
Boost to Connectivity: Three Vande Bharat Express Trains Flagged Off
In the same event, PM Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains:
Bengaluru-Belagavi: to boost trade and tourism in North Karnataka.
Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: enhancing religious tourism in northern India.
Nagpur (Ajni)-Pune: cutting travel time and improving business links within Maharashtra.
The Bengaluru-Belagavi train, he said, would significantly improve regional connectivity and economic integration within Karnataka.
Vision for Viksit Bharat
Concluding his address, PM Modi called upon Bengaluru to lead India’s next leap, not only as a global IT hub but also as a powerhouse in emerging technologies and manufacturing. “Bengaluru has placed India on the global IT map,” he said, “and now it must spearhead the journey towards a fully developed, Viksit Bharat.”
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