VAV-THARAD, BANASKANTHA – Marking a significant milestone for North Gujarat’s infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹20,000 crore today, April 1, 2026.
The visit to the Vav-Tharad region, coinciding with Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti and the conclusion of Navratri, underscored the administration’s focus on renewable energy, defense infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
Strategic Infrastructure and Defense
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Deesa Airbase: The Prime Minister highlighted his arrival at the Deesa Airbase, a project he noted was long-stalled under previous administrations. He emphasized that the completion of the airport is a priority for national security and will serve as a strategic asset for the border region.
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Renewable Energy Hub: PM Modi declared that Gujarat is on the path to becoming a global center for Renewable Energy. He noted that solar power initiatives in North Gujarat are “waving the flag of progress” and will drive the state’s green energy transition.
Regional Growth vs. Past “Neglect”
Addressing the gathered crowds, the Prime Minister contrasted the current development trajectory with past governance:
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Transformation of North Gujarat: He remarked that areas like Vav-Tharad, Banaskantha, Patan, and Mehsana, which once struggled with “disorder and scarcity” under Congress rule, are now authoring a “new story of development.”
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Personal Connection: The PM shared emotional reflections on his long-standing ties to the region, particularly praising the “affection of the mothers and sisters” of Banaskantha.
National Security and Political Critique
In a sharp political rebuke, the Prime Minister cautioned the nation against “conspiracies” amid global instability:
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Global Crisis Response: Referring to the ongoing West Asia conflict, he expressed regret that the opposition is allegedly using the language of “foreign forces that hate India.”
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Call for Vigilance: He urged the public to remain wary of attempts to incite chaos, reiterating that while the world faces crises in fuel and energy, India remains committed to stability and self-reliance.
Impact on North Gujarat
The ₹20,000 crore investment package is expected to provide a massive boost to local water management, road networks, and industrial corridors, further integrating North Gujarat into the state’s broader economic framework for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
