Jalandhar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on July 17 that the central government is fully dedicated to Punjab’s progress irrespective of the ruling party in the state. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for rail and road projects exceeding Rs 5,470 crore. The prime minister opened 75 upgraded railway stations in 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Jalandhar Cantt, and launched new train services to enhance links between Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
At a public event, Modi noted that Jalandhar was celebrating development and highlighted the launch of the country’s first hydrogen train from Jind along with the foundation for a Sikh museum in Kurukshetra. He affirmed that despite the absence of a BJP government in Punjab, the NDA administration at the centre is working to advance the state.
Modi commended Jalandhar residents for a cleanliness drive tied to the event and recalled the message of harmony from Guru Ravidas. He also paid tribute to Sikh leader Sardar Teja Singh Samundri on his 100th martyrdom anniversary.
The prime minister emphasised the government’s focus on citizen welfare through improved infrastructure and services. He criticised earlier administrations for neglecting railways, claiming that before 2014 false promises were made about new trains while stations deteriorated.
Projects included the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line costing about Rs 830 crore and new train services from Kartoli to Ambala and Amritsar to Varanasi. National highway works worth over Rs 3,070 crore were also launched, covering part of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Southern Ludhiana Bypass.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said 75 Amrit Stations had been opened across 20 states, with 1,300 stations under redevelopment. So far 261 stations are complete and 350 more will finish by year end.
