Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bikaner, Rajasthan today, May 22, 2025, inaugurated, laid the foundation stone for, and dedicated development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore to the nation. Speaking to a large gathering that included online participants from 18 states and union territories, he emphasized the transformative impact of these initiatives.
Emphasizing the country’s rapid infrastructural progress over the past 11 years, Modi noted that India is now investing six times more in infrastructure than in previous years. He cited key projects such as the Chenab Bridge, Sela Tunnel, Atal Setu, and Pamban Bridge as symbols of India’s engineering excellence.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s strides in railway modernization, citing the introduction of the Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains, as well as the laying of over 34,000 kilometers of new railway tracks. He spoke about the elimination of unmanned level crossings and the expansion of dedicated freight corridors.
More than 1,300 railway stations are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat scheme, which also showcases local art and culture. Examples include Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Thawe in Bihar. Modi urged citizens to maintain cleanliness and safety at these stations, which are driving tourism and generating employment across the country.
PM Modi highlighted how massive infrastructure investments are creating employment, boosting businesses, and directly benefiting transport workers, farmers, and households. In Rajasthan alone, Rs 70,000 crore has been invested in road infrastructure over the past 11 years, with nearly Rs 10,000 crore allocated this year for railway development in the state. He flagged off a new train between Bikaner and Mumbai and launched several health, water, and electricity projects aimed at uplifting both urban and rural areas.
Acknowledging the new industrial policies under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s leadership, Modi said they would particularly benefit Bikaner. He projected a global boost for Bikaneri Bhujia and Rasgullas and mentioned the nearing completion of the state’s refinery project.
Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives such as the Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, he said these would drive industrial growth in Rajasthan. He also noted the success of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has already benefited over 40,000 people in Rajasthan by eliminating their electricity bills and generating income through solar power.
Referring to Rajasthan’s transformation under Maharaja Ganga Singh, especially in desert regions, Modi said the government is working on major irrigation and river-linking projects, including the Parvati–Kalisindh–Chambal Link, to improve agricultural output and water access in western Rajasthan.
Shifting focus to national security, Modi condemned the April 22 terrorist attack and praised India's swift military response. Within 22 minutes of the attack, he said, India retaliated and destroyed nine major terror hideouts, sending a strong message to adversaries.
Recalling his earlier declaration from Churu, he reiterated his vow never to let the nation fall or bow. Modi said those who tried to harm India had paid the price and described Operation Sindoor as a new model of justice, not revenge. He outlined three principles of India’s counter-terrorism strategy: India will respond on its own terms, will not be intimidated by nuclear threats, and will make no distinction between terrorists and the states that sponsor them.
He also stated that international efforts are underway to expose Pakistan’s role in terrorism. He asserted that Pakistan, having repeatedly failed in conventional warfare, now faces the consequences of using terrorism as a strategic tool.
Modi revealed that upon landing at Nal Airport in Bikaner, he was informed that the location had once been targeted by Pakistan, unsuccessfully. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase had to be shut down due to India’s precision strikes.
He firmly stated that there will be no trade or dialogue with Pakistan except on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, warning that exporting terrorism would lead to economic ruin. Modi reiterated India’s stance on withholding its rightful share of water, asserting that no force in the world can shake the country’s resolve.
Concluding his address, Modi emphasized that security and prosperity go hand in hand in building a developed India. He said the projects launched in Bikaner represent balanced and accelerated development.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other dignitaries.
