Our next big priority should be becoming self-reliant in tech: PM
New Delhi 10th August :- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro worth around Rs 7,160 crore and laid the foundation stone of Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project worth over Rs 15,610 crore in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. He also flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains at KSR Railway Station, Bengaluru. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he remarked that upon setting foot on the land of Karnataka, he felt a sense of belonging. Highlighting the richness of Karnataka’s culture, the affection of its people, and the sweetness of the Kannada language, which deeply touches the heart, Modi began by paying respects at the feet of Bengaluru’s presiding deity, Annamma Thayi. Recalling that centuries ago, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda laid the foundation of Bengaluru city, the Prime Minister noted that Kempegowda envisioned a city rooted in tradition while also reaching new heights of progress. “Bengaluru has always lived that spirit and preserved it and today, Bengaluru is realizing that very dream”, stated the PM.
“Today, Bengaluru is emerging as a city that has become a symbol of New India’s rise”, stated Modi, describing it as a city whose soul embodies philosophical wisdom, and whose actions reflect technological expertise. He highlighted that Bengaluru is a city which has proudly placed India on the global IT map, crediting the success story of Bengaluru to the hard work and talent of its people.
“In the 21st century, urban planning and urban infrastructure are critical needs for our cities”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that cities like Bengaluru must be prepared for the future. He highlighted that in recent years, the Government of India has launched projects worth thousands of crores for Bengaluru and today, this campaign is gaining new momentum. Modi inaugurated the Bangalore Metro Yellow Line and laid the foundation stone for Metro Phase-Three. He also flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains connecting different parts of the country. He added that the commencement of Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Belagavi will boost trade and tourism in Belagavi. Additionally, Vande Bharat Express trains were launched between Nagpur and Pune, and between Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Amritsar. The Prime Minister noted that these services will benefit lakhs of devotees and promote tourism. He congratulated the people of Bengaluru, Karnataka, and the entire nation for these projects and the new Vande Bharat trains.
Mentioning that this is his first visit to Bengaluru following Operation Sindoor, Modi highlighted the success of Indian forces in Operation Sindoor, noting their capability to destroy terrorist hideouts deep across the border. He emphasized India’s strength in forcing Pakistan, who came to defend the terrorists, to its knees within hours. “The entire world has witnessed this new face of New India”, remarked the Prime Minister, attributing the success of Operation Sindoor to the power of technology and the strength of Make in India in the defence sector. He acknowledged the significant contribution of the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka in this achievement, and extended his congratulations to all for their role in this success.
Noting that Bengaluru is now recognized alongside major global cities, the Prime Minister emphasized that India must not only compete globally but also lead. He remarked that progress will come only when our cities are smart, fast, and efficient, underscoring the government’s strong focus on completing modern infrastructure projects. Modi announced the commencement of the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro from RV Road to Bommasandra, which will connect several key areas of Bengaluru. He noted that travel time between Basavanagudi and Electronic City will now be significantly reduced. This, he said, will enhance ease of living and ease of working for lakhs of people.
The Prime Minister announced that alongside the inauguration of the Yellow Line, the foundation stone for Bangalore Metro’s Phase Three —namely, the Orange Line—has also been laid. He stated that once operational, the Orange Line, in conjunction with the Yellow Line, will facilitate daily travel for 25 lakh passengers. This, he said, will empower Bengaluru’s transport system and elevate it to new heights. Modi further remarked that Bangalore Metro has introduced a new model for public infrastructure development in the country. He highlighted that companies like Infosys Foundation, Biocon, and Delta Electronics have provided part-funding for several key metro stations. He praised this innovative use of CSR as a source of inspiration and extended congratulations to the corporate sector for their contribution.
“India is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world. In the past eleven years, India’s economy has risen from the 10th position to the top five globally, and is rapidly progressing toward becoming one of the top three economies”, highlighted Modi. He attributed this momentum to the spirit of “Reform, Perform and Transform,” driven by clear intent and honest efforts. Reflecting on infrastructure growth, the Prime Minister recalled that in 2014, metro services were limited to just five cities. Today, he added, metro networks span over 1,000 kilometers across 24 cities, making India the third-largest metro network globally. Modi also pointed out that prior to 2014, only about 20,000 kilometers of railway routes had been electrified. In the last eleven years alone, more than 40,000 kilometers of railway routes have been electrified, marking a significant leap in sustainable transport development.
Emphasising that India’s achievements are soaring not just on land but also in the skies, the Prime Minister highlighted that in 2014, India had only 74 airports, and today, the number has increased to over 160. He also pointed out the remarkable progress in waterway infrastructure stating that in 2014, only three national waterways were operational; this number has now risen to thirty.
Discussing the significant leap made by India in the health and education sectors, Modi highlighted that until 2014, the country had only 7 AIIMS and 387 medical colleges, while today, 22 AIIMS and 704 medical colleges are serving the people. The Prime Minister stated that in the past 11 years, over one lakh new medical seats have been added across the country. He emphasized the impact of this expansion, noting how middle-class children have greatly benefited from the increased opportunities. Modi further highlighted that in the last 11 years, the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23, IIITs from 9 to 25, and IIMs from 13 to 21. He stated that today, students have access to significantly more opportunities in higher education.
Affirming that today as the nation progresses rapidly, the lives of the poor and marginalized are transforming at the same pace, the Prime Minister highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 4 crore pucca houses have been provided. He announced that the government is now set to construct 3 crore more houses. Modi remarked that in just 11 years, more than 12 crore toilets have been built across the country. He emphasized that this initiative has granted dignity, cleanliness, and safety to crores of mothers and sisters.
“The rapid pace of development in the country is strongly driven by India’s economic growth”, underlined Modi, highlighting that before 2014, India’s total exports had reached only $468 billion whereas today, that figure has risen to $824 billion. The Prime Minister remarked that earlier, India used to import mobile phones, but now, the country is among the top five exporters of mobile handsets. He noted that Bengaluru has played a significant role in this transformation. Modi further highlighted that before 2014, India’s electronics exports stood at approximately $6 billion, which has now increased to nearly $38 billion.
Highlighting that eleven years ago, India’s automobile exports stood at approximately $16 billion, the Prime Minister cited that today, that figure has more than doubled, making India the fourth-largest automobile exporter globally. He stated that these achievements strengthen the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and affirmed that together, the nation will move forward and build a developed India.
