PM Modi launches Rs20,000-cr electric loco project in Gujarat

It will provide direct and indirect employment to over 10,000 people. 

Modi inaugurated several other projects worth over Rs1,400 crore in Dahoad, which include the Dahod District Southern Area Regional Water Supply Scheme, constructed on Narmada River Basin, worth around Rs840 crore, besides the five projects of Dahod Smart City worth around Rs335 crore. The water supply scheme will cater to the water supply needs of around 280 villages in Dahod district and Devgadh Baria city. 

The prime minister inaugurated the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) Building, Storm water drainage system, Sewerage works, Solid Waste Management System and Rain Water Harvesting System of Dahod Smart City. 

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, benefits worth Rs120 crore were provided to 10,000 tribals of Panchmahal and Dahod districts. The prime minister also inaugurated the 66 KV Ghodia substation, Panchayat Houses, Anganwadis, among others.

The prime minister also laid the foundation stone of various projects of the state government worth around Rs550 crore. This includes water supply related projects worth about Rs300 crore, Dahod Smart City projects worth around Rs175 crore, works related to Dudhimati river project, GETCO Substation at Ghodia, among others. 

Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Darshana Jardosh, chief minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel and several ministers from the Gujarat government were among those present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi recalled his long association with the local tribal community and credited their blessings for inspiring him to undertake service of the nation. He also credited their support and blessing for a scenario where all the problems of tribal communities and specially those of women are being addressed by the double engine government at the centre and the state.  

Among the projects that have been inaugurated today, one is a scheme related to drinking water and the other is a project related to making Dahod a smart city, he said. This will bring ease of life for the mothers and daughters of the region. 

He said Dahod will contribute to Make in India campaign as the 9000 HP Electric Locomotives project being set up at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore at the production unit in Dahod. He recalled how the railway area of Dahod was dying when he used to visit the servants quarters in the area long ago. He pledged to revive the railway set up of the area and expressed happiness as that dream is being realised now. He said that this huge investment will provide new opportunities to the youth of the area. 

Railways, he noted, is getting upgraded in all aspects and manufacturing of such advanced locomotive is indication of India’s prowess. “The demand for electric locomotives is increasing in foreign countries. Dahod will play a big role in meeting this demand. India is now one of the few countries in the world that makes powerful loco of 9,000 horsepower”, he added.