March 08, New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth around ₹33,500 crore in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, "Today, we have all gathered here to give a new momentum to the development of Delhi."
The scope of these projects is extensive, ranging from the expansion of the Delhi Metro network to the establishment of modern residential complexes for thousands of government employees. The Prime Minister said that the people of Delhi formed a double-engine government a year ago with new hope and resolve, and its results are visible in the ongoing development works.
Highlighting the occasion of International Women's Day, the Prime Minister lauded the large presence of women at the event and said their strength and confidence are driving India’s empowerment narrative across politics, science and sports. He said that India’s “Nari Shakti” is moving forward with new energy in every field.
The Prime Minister said Delhi represents the global identity and energy of Indian democracy and stressed the need to modernize the capital’s infrastructure and connectivity. Referring to projects such as the Namo Bharat and the expansion of the Metro network to 375 kilometres, he said a modern and well-connected Delhi would showcase India’s growing confidence to the world.
Emphasising improvements in public transport, the Prime Minister said that under the double-engine governance model, every transport facility in the national capital is being upgraded to ensure clean, comfortable and modern travel for citizens. He said that while more than 4,000 electric buses provided by the Centre are already operational, an additional 1,800 buses have been deployed in the last year, including hundreds of “Devi Buses” aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity across Delhi.
The Prime Minister said the government is working in mission mode to address challenges facing the capital and highlighted the role of the Western Peripheral Expressway in diverting large volumes of traffic that previously entered the city. He also noted that a major initiative has been launched for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, with projects worth crores of rupees underway to improve its cleanliness.
He said the government is committed to improving the quality of life in the capital and highlighted the establishment of several Ayushman Arogya Mandir over the past year. With the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, he said both the poor and the middle class are benefiting from free medical treatment and healthcare support. The Prime Minister added that the current development model focuses on swift implementation and tangible results.
Referring to his earlier visit to Sarojini Nagar, the Prime Minister highlighted the inauguration of modern residential complexes for government employees. He said those who work tirelessly for the nation deserve safe, clean and convenient living conditions and expressed confidence that the new flats handed over to beneficiaries would bring happiness and new aspirations for the country’s “Karmayogis.”
The Prime Minister said welfare schemes are reaching households across the country, benefiting poor families, farmers and labourers. Referring to the PM SVANidhi, he said that nearly two lakh street vendors in Delhi have received more than ₹350 crore in financial assistance, helping them shift from high-interest informal loans to formal banking. He added that SVANidhi credit cards are enabling small vendors to access modern financial tools and strengthen their businesses.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Prime Minister also highlighted the progress of the Lakhpati Didi initiative. He said more than 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups and noted that the government aims to create three crore more “Lakhpati Didis,” expressing confidence that the goal would be achieved with the support of the country’s “Nari Shakti.”
(Source: Prime Minister's Office)
