PM Modi launches Rs 7,600 crore projects in Maharashtra, criticizes congress on corruption

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stones for several major development projects in Maharashtra, amounting to over ₹7,600 crore. He also inaugurated 10 new government medical colleges, further solidifying his government's focus on rapid development in the state ahead of the upcoming elections.

Modi emphasized the unprecedented speed of development in Maharashtra, contrasting it with the Congress era, during which, he claimed, the only thing that grew at a similar pace was corruption. “Such speed and scale were seen in corruption under Congress rule,” Modi remarked.

The projects unveiled by the Prime Minister include the upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and the new Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi airport. Modi also launched the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a new initiative aimed at advancing education in the state.

This announcement follows another wave of development projects, worth over ₹50,000 crore, that Modi had launched in Maharashtra just days earlier. These initiatives span various sectors, including infrastructure, solar energy, and textile parks, designed to support farmers, fishermen, and the local economy.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Central government’s recognition of Marathi as a classical language further highlights the importance of respecting regional identities. “When a language gets its due respect, it gives an entire generation a voice,” Modi said.

Modi called the government's massive infrastructure projects a "Maha Yajna" aimed at laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous Maharashtra. The launch of 10 new medical colleges, located across districts like Mumbai, Nashik, and Amravati, adds 900 new medical seats to the state's capacity, bringing the total to around 6,000.

He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that children from poor and middle-class families have access to medical education, mentioning the government’s push for specialized education in regional languages to broaden opportunities for students.

Criticizing the Congress-led governments of the past, Modi accused them of using poverty for political gain, while his administration has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty within a decade. He highlighted initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, free medical care for elderly citizens, and reduced costs of essential medicines and heart stents as key steps toward improving healthcare access.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of tourism, which has often been underutilized in Maharashtra despite its rich heritage and spiritual significance. The upgraded Solapur airport will make it easier for pilgrims to visit spiritual sites such as Shani Shingnapur and the Tulja Bhavani Temple, boosting local tourism and creating jobs.

Modi stressed that his government’s every decision is aimed at creating a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He pointed to the new cargo complex at Shirdi Airport, which will enable Maharashtra’s farmers to export agricultural goods more easily, both domestically and internationally.

In a final note, the Prime Minister announced that his government is taking critical steps to support farmers, including reducing export duties on rice and onions to boost their income.