(FM Bharat) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹1.06 lakh crore in Balotra, Rajasthan Acknowledging the massive public gathering, he set a highly collaborative tone for the development initiatives.
Dedicating the monumental Rajasthan Refinery to the nation, the Prime Minister underscored its pivotal role in driving India’s broader mission toward holistic development and economic independence. "This massive refinery will serve as a permanent medium of employment for thousands of people, and I especially congratulate the youth of Rajasthan for this achievement," noted Modi.
Emphasizing a drastic shift in the administrative work culture, the Prime Minister contrasted his government's relentless project execution with previous regimes of abandoned foundation stones.
Recalling an unfortunate accident at the site just two months prior, he praised the extraordinary resilience of the workforce in completing the massive infrastructure project at an unprecedented pace. "The new India neither steps back from its strict resolutions nor slows down its rapid pace, no matter how immense or unexpected the challenge," affirmed Modi.
Outlining a series of rapid developmental milestones across the state, the Prime Minister proudly celebrated the inauguration of the new airport terminal in Jodhpur and the launch of a new UDAN scheme phase to revolutionize remote air connectivity.
Alongside these aviation advancements, he promised an imminent end to the Shekhawati region's water crisis and announced the major expansion of the Jaipur Metro network. "These crucial infrastructure projects will fundamentally impart a new momentum to tourism, trade, and employment across the entire Marwar region," observed Shri Modi.
Highlighting a massive push toward youth empowerment and administrative efficiency, the Prime Minister formally recognized the distribution of government job appointment letters to approximately 54,000 young candidates across Rajasthan.
Detailing the emergency countermeasures deployed, the Prime Minister explained how domestic refineries were rapidly reconfigured to divert gas originally meant for industrial work directly into domestic cooking gas (LPG).
He proudly noted that within just seven days, these tactical shifts boosted national LPG production from 35,000 metric tonnes to 54,000 metric tonnes. "By actively focusing on our refineries, the facilities that had never produced LPG before were rapidly configured to meet the challenge," affirmed Shri Modi.
Addressing the severe global spike in petrol and diesel prices, where crude oil surged from 70 to 120 dollars per barrel, the Prime Minister reminded the audience that India lacks massive domestic oil reserves.
He recalled how numerous nations were forced to implement strict fuel rationing as prices surged globally by 40 to 50 percent. "In many countries around the world, diesel and petrol were being strictly distributed on a quota basis due to closed import routes," observed Modi.
Emphasizing the financial sacrifices made by the state to protect citizens, the Prime Minister revealed that the government proactively absorbed a staggering loss of over 75,000 crore rupees between April and June alone. He further detailed the decision to slash excise duty by 10 rupees per liter to guarantee an uninterrupted and affordable supply, even in remote areas. "In India, such dire scarcity situations did not arise for even a single day, and we did not let too much burden fall on the public," affirmed Shri Modi.
Contextualizing India's industrial growth on a global scale, the Prime Minister pointed out that while America has not built a new refinery in 50 years and Europe's capacity is shrinking, India has proudly ascended to possess the fourth-largest refinery capacity in the world. He promised that this strategic capacity is slated to expand even further.
Proudly announcing a landmark 34,000 crore rupee agreement between the governments of Rajasthan and Haryana, the Prime Minister detailed the plan to lay an underground pipeline from the Hathnikund Barrage.
He emphasized that this unprecedented mutual consent will effectively bring life-saving water to lakhs of residents across Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, and the entire Shekhawati region. "Now that there is a BJP government in both states, solutions have been successfully found with mutual consent for the very first time," observed Shri Modi.
Expanding on upcoming hydro-infrastructure initiatives, the Prime Minister outlined the future transformative benefits of completing the Renuka, Lakhwar, and Kishau dams in the Upper Yamuna Basin, alongside the Ramjal Setu project for rural tap water.
Reiterating that Rajasthan remains at the absolute center of the nation's modern infrastructure push, the Prime Minister cited the new Jodhpur Airport terminal and the foundation laying of Jaipur Metro Phase-2 as prime catalysts for future growth.
He specifically noted that Phase-2 will expand Jaipur's total network beyond 50 kilometers, seamlessly connecting the East-West and North-South corridors to drastically improve convenience for both locals and tourists. “Today, modern infrastructure is being built at such a rapid pace in Rajasthan that completely new records are being set,” remarked Shri Modi.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister assured the public that the vastly expanded transit networks and energy projects are just the beginning of the state's transformative journey.
He expressed absolute confidence in the continuous support of the people to jointly build a highly prosperous new future for the state under the current leadership. “I have full faith that with your continued blessings for our government, we will together build a glorious new future for Rajasthan,” affirmed Shri Modi.
