Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the NaMo for Viksit Bharat programme in Vadodara, Gujarat, strongly asserted that India's work culture has undergone a profound transformation over the past 12 years. At the event, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects totaling over ₹35,000 crore, encompassing railway, highway, and state government initiatives.
Modi Addresses Critics as 'Naraz Fufa'
Taking a direct swipe at those questioning his government's development achievements, PM Modi humorously referred to them as “Naraz Fufa” (angry uncle). This comment came as he highlighted the historic completion of the 2,800-kilometre Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), an achievement he termed pivotal for the 21st century. He specifically addressed the anticipated skepticism regarding the DFC's utility, noting that such a 'Naraz Fufa' might ask about the fate of truck drivers, implying the DFC creates new opportunities.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor: A Lifeline for India
Modi explained that the DFC has revolutionized freight movement by creating separate tracks for goods and passenger trains, a critical change from the previous system where both shared tracks, causing delays. He stressed the DFC's role as the "lifeline of a fast-developing India," accelerating the nation's transformation through its modern freight network.
He recounted the DFC's long journey, conceived in 2004 with a special company established in 2006. However, progress remained sluggish until 2014. Modi lamented that files related to the project "just kept shuffling from one place to another" and were "stuck, hung around and wandered aimlessly" before his government took office. Post-2014, he said, the project was rapidly accelerated, leading to the completion of both the Eastern and Western Freight Corridors, which now form the backbone of India's trade and business.
Connecting Key Regions and Future Vision
The Prime Minister officially inaugurated three vital sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, establishing a crucial link between Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai and Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. Alongside this, he flagged off new freight train services from New Sanand, New Makarpura, New Umbergaon, and New JNPT, in addition to a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara.
"Today, the Eastern and Western Freight Corridors are becoming the main backbone of the country’s trade and business," PM Modi stated, underscoring the project's economic significance.
Beyond infrastructure, Modi also touched upon other national priorities. He criticized the Congress party's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Echo of Students) initiative, dismissing it as "Jhooth ki Goonj" (echo of lies) and asserting that India's youth are driven by the "roar of truth." He also urged young Indians to develop expertise in artificial intelligence, emphasizing the government's desire for them to excel in this field.