DAMAN: Presenting a sweeping vision for infrastructural modernization and economic resilience, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public gathering in Daman on June 5, 2026. During his high-profile visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a battery of multi-sectoral development projects aimed at transforming connectivity, tourism, health, and education across the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep.
India Leads Global Economic Growth
The Prime Minister commenced his address by sharing breaking macroeconomic data, celebrating India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing large economy despite global fiscal crises.
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Annual GDP Surge: India clocked a stellar 7.7 percent growth rate for the fiscal year 2025-26.
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Quarterly Performance: The final quarter ending March 31, 2026, registered an impressive 7.8 percent growth.
“Today the country is running on the Reform Express,” PM Modi stated, attributing the economic momentum to aggressive infrastructure spending and robust poverty welfare schemes fueled by the collective efforts of 1.4 billion citizens.
The Daman & Diu Transformation: Mirroring Singapore
Reflecting on the rapid evolution of the Union Territory under Administrator Praful Patel, the Prime Minister lauded Daman as a “Mini India” that thrives on its diverse, multi-cultural workforce. Drawing parallels to his previous vision, he noted that just as Singapore transformed from a small fishing village into a global commerce capital, Daman and Diu are steadily pacing toward becoming prime economic and business hubs.
Key infrastructure highlights from the address included:
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The Namo Airport and an upcoming iconic bridge over the Damanganga River to seamlessly link the region.
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A state-of-the-art Convention Center on the beachfront to draw corporate tourism.
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The establishment of a dedicated Transport Nagar to scale up regional trade, freight, and logistics.
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Green Energy Leadership: Praise for Diu for achieving 100 percent solar power reliance during daytime hours across government establishments, coupled with the rollout of residential rooftop solar initiatives.
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World Environment Day Milestone: The launch of a massive ecological drive to plant 1,01,000 saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
Surge in the Blue Economy & Tourism
The Prime Minister virtually extended the developmental wave to Lakshadweep, laying the foundation stones for highly anticipated modern port infrastructures on the Kalpeni and Kadmat islands. These additions are designed to maximize India’s footprint in the Blue Economy and maritime logistics.
Furthermore, PM Modi highlighted the staggering success of the region’s hospitality sector. Spurred by national campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, pristine coastal management, and the creation of attractions like the Daman Night Market and Ramsetu Sea-Front, tourist footfall in the UT skyrocketed nearly tenfold—leaping from 6 lakh tourists in 2021 to approximately 50 lakh in 2025.
Revolutionizing Healthcare, Education, and Skills
Reiterating the NDA government’s commitment to the poor and middle class, the Prime Minister detailed systemic advancements in public health and institutional learning:
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Healthcare Capital Savings: Combined operations of Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved common citizens an estimated ₹2.25 lakh crore in medical expenses.
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National Health Indicators: Institutional deliveries nationwide have crossed 90 percent (up from historical lows), while child immunization under Mission Indradhanush surged from 60 percent pre-2014 to nearly 90 percent today.
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Elite Educational Hubs: Following the operationalization of the Silvassa medical college, the PM celebrated the foundation stone-laying of the 18th national campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in the region, alongside specialized technical training in drone technology at ITI Daman.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi underscored Dadra and Nagar Haveli’s established status as India’s “National Man-Made Fibre Capital” and a premier hub for plastic exports. He assured local entrepreneurs, youth, and tribal communities that the Central Government would continue providing robust financial and administrative backing to transition the Union Territory into India’s next premier manufacturing and sustainable tourism destination.
