Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ programme on Saturday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 34.2 billion, emphasising the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

A key focus was the maritime sector, with projects valued at over Rs 7.87 billion, spanning infrastructure upgrades across strategic Indian ports.

Addressing a gathering at Jawahar Maidan, Bhavnagar, PM Modi said, “This event is being held in Bhavnagar, but is for the entire nation. Today, to decide the direction of India from ‘Samudra’ (ocean) to ‘Samriddhi’ (progress), Bhavnagar has been chosen as the centre.”

He thanked citizens for birthday wishes and acknowledged children’s artworks presented during the event. Highlighting ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ initiatives from September 17 to October 2, he noted that over 100,000 people in Gujarat had donated blood and millions participated in cleanliness drives.

PM Modi paid tribute to Krishnakumar CG, noting his contribution to India’s unity, and emphasised the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

On maritime development, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock and laid the foundation stone for a new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Additional projects include a cargo berth and container facilities at Paradip Port (Odisha), the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal (Gujarat), and modernisation efforts at Kamarajar Port (Ennore), Chennai Port, Car Nicobar Island, Deendayal Port (Kandla), as well as inland waterway facilities at Patna and Varanasi.

In Gujarat, projects worth Rs 26.35 billion were unveiled, covering renewable energy, ports, roadways, healthcare, and urban transport. Key initiatives include the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics and Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, and the 475 MW PM-KUSUM solar feeder for farmers. The Badeli 45 MW Solar PV Project and full solarisation of Dhordo village were also inaugurated.

Healthcare and urban infrastructure expansions include Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital in Jamnagar. The Prime Minister also launched the four-laning of 70 kilometres of national highways to improve connectivity and trade.

PM Modi will undertake an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region, a greenfield industrial city designed around sustainable industrialisation, smart infrastructure, and global investment.