Dahod (Gujarat), May 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a high-energy rally in Dahod on Monday, delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan, asserting that the neighbouring country has continued to survive on “hatred for India” even as India strides forward on a path of peace, development, and self-reliance. The remarks came in the wake of India’s military action—Operation Sindoor—launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
“Pakistan’s only objective is enmity with India and the urge to harm Bharat,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a sea of supporters waving the national flag. “On the other hand, our goals are clear—eradicating poverty, achieving economic development, and transforming India into a developed nation.”
PM Modi lauded the Indian armed forces for their swift and decisive action under Operation Sindoor. “If anyone dares to remove the sindoor of our sisters, then their end is near,” he declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Mega Development Push in Dahod
As part of his two-day Gujarat visit, the Prime Minister launched and laid foundation stones for a series of infrastructure and development projects valued at Rs 24,000 crore. These included major investments in railways, urban development, and manufacturing.
Key highlights from the Dahod leg of the visit:
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Flagged off the Vande Bharat Express connecting Veraval and Ahmedabad, and an express train from Valsad to Dahod, boosting regional rail connectivity.
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Inaugurated the Loco Manufacturing Shop-Rolling Stock Workshop in Dahod.
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Unveiled the first electric locomotive manufactured at the Dahod facility—a project he had laid the foundation for just three years ago.
Built at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore, the Dahod locomotive manufacturing unit is a cornerstone of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It has an annual capacity to produce 120 electric locomotives, scalable to 150. Under a Public-Private Partnership, Indian Railways plans to produce 1,200 electric locomotives over the next decade, each bearing the ‘Manufactured in Dahod’ label. These powerful engines—rated at 9,000 HP—can haul up to 4,600 tonnes and are intended for both domestic deployment and export.
A Vision of Self-Reliance and Growth
Reflecting on his first day as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, PM Modi said the past decade had seen “unimaginable decisions” and “unprecedented progress” across sectors.
“Today, 140 crore Indians are working tirelessly to build a Viksit Bharat,” he said. “We are not just making in India for India—we are exporting to the world. Whether it’s metro systems, railway tech, or advanced manufacturing, India is on the move.”
He underscored India’s growing presence in global manufacturing, especially in rail and defence sectors.
Public Enthusiasm and Patriotic Fervour
PM Modi’s arrival in Dahod was marked by an overwhelming public reception. Roads were lined with people chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Modi-Modi”, with participants in the ‘Sindoor Samman Yatra’ paying tribute to the armed forces and the Prime Minister’s leadership during Operation Sindoor.
Next Stops: Bhuj, Gandhinagar, and Mahatma Mandir
Following his Dahod visit, PM Modi will travel to Bhuj, where he will inaugurate projects worth Rs 53,400 crore, including initiatives in port development, renewable energy, and water supply.
On May 27, he will:
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Hold a massive roadshow in Gandhinagar.
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Launch and lay foundation stones for Rs 5,536 crore worth of projects at Mahatma Mandir.
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Inaugurate 22,055 homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, valued at Rs 1,006 crore.
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Lay the foundation for Phase 3 of the Sabarmati Riverfront.
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Distribute Rs 3,300 crore to urban local bodies under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana.
As the Gujarat tour progresses, the Prime Minister is expected to continue outlining his vision for a “developed, self-reliant, and secure” India—firm in its resolve and unwavering in its mission.
