From Cross-Border Strikes to Metro Milestones: Indian PM Reveals Vision Behind Developmental Push
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his first visit to Karnataka since Operation Sindoor to deliver a message of military resolve, economic ambition, and technological self-reliance, while inaugurating major urban infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.
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| Image Source: PM NaMo on X |
‘World Saw a New Face of India’ in Operation Sindoor
Mr. Modi opened his remarks with a pointed reference to Operation Sindoor, the cross-border strike that India says dismantled terrorist bases deep in hostile territory.
He credited the rapid success to indigenous defence technology and “Make in India” innovations, singling out the contributions of Karnataka’s youth.
“Within hours, those who came to defend the terrorists were forced to back down. The entire world saw the strength of New India,” he said, in an indirect reference to Pakistan.
Metro, Rail, and Tourism Boost
The PM’s inauguration of the Yellow Line — linking RV Road to Bommasandra -- is expected to cut commuting times between Basavanagudi and Electronic City, benefiting thousands of daily passengers.
Once complete, the Orange Line under Phase-3 will push Bengaluru Metro’s daily capacity to 2.5 million riders.
He also flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains -- Bengaluru–Belagavi, Nagpur–Pune, and Amritsar–Vaishno Devi Katra -- calling them “a leap for trade, tourism, and pilgrimage connectivity.”
Economic Surge and Infrastructure Expansion
Mr. Modi claimed India has jumped from the world’s 10th largest economy to the top five in just over a decade and is “rapidly moving towards the top three.”
He linked this to the government’s Reform–Perform–Transform approach and pointed to tangible results:
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Metro coverage expanded from five cities in 2014 to 24 cities today.
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Railway electrification doubled in 11 years, with over 40,000 km added.
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Airport count rose from 74 to over 160; operational waterways from 3 to 30.
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AIIMS facilities tripled and medical colleges nearly doubled nationwide.
On trade, he highlighted record exports of $824 billion -- up from $468 billion in 2014 -- and India’s emergence as one of the world’s top five mobile handset exporters.
Electronics exports have risen sixfold, and automobile exports have more than doubled, making India the fourth-largest car exporter globally.
Digital Push and Tech Self-Reliance
Calling Digital India the “partner in every step” towards a developed nation, Mr. Modi cited UPI’s dominance in global real-time transactions and over 2,200 government services now available via mobile apps.
He set “tech self-reliance” as the next national priority, urging Bengaluru’s companies to focus more on domestic needs while maintaining global leadership.
India, he said, must lead in AI, semiconductors, and green manufacturing, aiming for “zero defect, zero effect” -- high-quality output with no environmental harm.
Reforms and Cooperative Governance
Pushing for more state-level reforms, Mr. Modi referenced the Jan Vishwas Bills, Mission Karmayogi for skill-building in governance, and targeted development programmes for underperforming districts and blocks.
He called for “joint action” between central and state governments to keep India’s growth trajectory on track.
"Together we will fulfill the vision of Viksit Bharat. Karnataka’s talent and India’s resolve will make it happen,” he concluded.
The day’s ceremonies marked a combined investment of over ₹22,770 crore in Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure and were attended by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, CM Siddaramaiah, Union ministers, and senior state leaders.