Massive infrastructure push: PM Modi launches Rs.33,500 crore projects in Delhi

Addressing the gathering, Modi said, “Today, we have all gathered here to give a new momentum to the development of Delhi."

The scope of these projects is extensive, ranging from the growth of the Metro network to the establishment of modern residential complexes for thousands of government employees.

“The people of Delhi, with new hope and a new resolve, formed the double-engine government here a year ago, and its result is visible today in these development works,” Modi emphasised.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at the event, the Prime Minister lauded the massive presence of women and highlighted how their strength and self-confidence are driving India’s empowerment narrative across politics, science, and sports under the successful leadership of the state government.

“Whether it is politics, administration, science, sports, or social service, India’s Nari Shakti is moving forward with a new energy in every field,” Modi said.

Emphasising that Delhi is the global identity and energy symbol of Indian democracy, the Prime Minister noted that modernizing the capital’s infrastructure and connectivity, such as the Namo Bharat train and the historic expansion of the Metro network to 375 kilometers, is essential for showcasing India's confidence to the world.

“The more modern, convenient, and better connected Delhi becomes, the more strongly India's self-confidence will be visible to the world,” Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasized that under the double-engine governance model, every transport facility in the national capital is being systematically upgraded to ensure clean, comfortable, and modern travel for the lakhs of citizens who rely on bus services daily. “While over four thousand electric buses provided by the Centre are already operational, an additional 1,800 new buses have been deployed in the last year alone, including hundreds of 'Devi Buses' designed to enhance last-mile connectivity across Delhi’s colonies and neighborhoods," Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister stated that the government is currently working in mission mode to address the diverse challenges facing the national capital, specifically highlighting how the Peripheral Expressway has successfully diverted lakhs of vehicles that previously had to enter the city. “ A massive initiative for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River has been launched, with work already underway on projects worth crores of rupees to ensure its cleanliness,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is dedicated to continuously improving the quality of life in the capital, specifically highlighting the establishment of several Ayushman Arogya Mandirs over the past year. PM Modi noted that with the implementation of the Ayushman scheme in Delhi, both the poor and the middle class are now accessing free medical treatment and significant healthcare benefits.

Highlighting a new era of efficiency,Modi said, “ The current development model focuses on immediate action and tangible results, ensuring that projects are swiftly transitioned from planning to ground-level execution”.

The Prime Minister emphasized that welfare schemes are reaching every household, from rural villages to urban centers, specifically benefiting poor families, farmers, and laborers. PM Modi  highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘PM SVANidhi Yojana’, noting that in Delhi alone, nearly 2 lakh street vendors have received over ₹350 crore in financial assistance, moving them away from high-interest informal loans toward formal banking.

Marking a historic shift in financial inclusion, the Prime Minister noted that credit card facilities, once reserved for the affluent, are now being extended to street vendors to empower their small businesses.

“The SVANidhi credit card is becoming a new medium of self-respect for the poor, ensuring that those who were once marginalized are now empowered with modern financial tools,” Modi said.

Commemorating International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister shared the landmark achievement of fulfilling the national resolve to create 3 crore "Lakhpati Didis," highlighting that over 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). PM Modi noted that by providing these women with access to capital, banking systems, and specialized training, the government has enabled them to achieve financial independence and bolster the rural economy.

“The success of our sisters has inspired a new resolution to create 3 crore more Lakhpati Didis, and I am confident that with the blessings of our Nari Shakti, this goal will be achieved,” Modi asserted.