Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara, Gujarat, covering railways, connectivity, manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
A major highlight was the completion of the 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), comprising the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors. The network is expected to significantly improve freight movement by separating cargo traffic from passenger services, enabling faster transportation of goods across the country.
The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is also supporting the movement of high-volume containerised cargo from JNPT Port to Vadodara. A double-stack container train operating on the route can carry cargo equivalent to more than 250 trucks, improving logistics efficiency and reducing road congestion.
The expanded rail network is also improving connectivity to previously underserved areas. A new train service connecting Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur was highlighted as part of efforts to extend rail connectivity into tribal regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Railway infrastructure development remains a major investment area, with the government highlighting a railway budget exceeding Rs 2.75 lakh crore for modernisation and capacity expansion. The programme covers development of railway infrastructure, including new lines, rolling stock and associated facilities.
Vadodara is emerging as an important manufacturing centre, with the city playing a key role in the country’s aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. The C-295 military transport aircraft is being manufactured in Vadodara, marking a major development in India’s domestic aircraft manufacturing capability.
The project involves the establishment of a manufacturing facility for the C-295 aircraft and represents a significant addition to the city’s industrial infrastructure.
The development push also includes expansion of renewable energy infrastructure. The Kadana Dam floating solar project in Gujarat was highlighted as an example of large-scale solar generation using water bodies.
