Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of Uttarakhand’s formation in Dehradun. On the occasion, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore spanning key sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, energy, education, sports, and urban development.
Greeting the people of “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand”, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the movement that led to the creation of the state. “November 9 is a day of immense pride – the culmination of a long and determined struggle. The dream of the god-like people of Uttarakhand was fulfilled 25 years ago under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji,” he said.
Reflecting on the state’s progress, PM Modi noted the remarkable transformation over the past quarter-century. “When Uttarakhand was formed, resources were limited, and challenges were many. Today, the state’s budget has risen from ₹4,000 crore to over ₹1 lakh crore. Electricity generation has increased fourfold, and the length of roads has doubled,” he said, adding that air connectivity has expanded dramatically, with daily air passenger numbers matching what once took six months to achieve.
He observed that the number of engineering colleges in Uttarakhand has increased more than tenfold, while medical colleges have risen from one to ten. Vaccine coverage, once below 25 percent, now reaches nearly every village. “This remarkable progress is the result of inclusive growth and the collective determination of every citizen,” he said.
Calling the present moment “the defining era of Uttarakhand’s rise and progress,” PM Modi reiterated his earlier declaration that “this decade belongs to Uttarakhand.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹930 crore and laid the foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,210 crore. Among these are two major hydro-sector initiatives – the Song Dam Drinking Water Project, which will supply 150 MLD of water to Dehradun, and the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project in Nainital, aimed at meeting drinking water needs, supporting irrigation, and generating electricity.
Other key projects include the Dehradun Water Supply Scheme under the AMRUT programme, an electrical substation in Pithoragarh, solar power plants on government buildings, and an AstroTurf Hockey Ground at Haldwani Stadium. The foundation stones were also laid for a Women’s Sports College in Champawat, and a state-of-the-art dairy plant in Nainital.
Additionally, PM Modi released ₹62 crore in support under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, benefiting more than 28,000 farmers across the state.
PM Modi highlighted the rapid infrastructure expansion underway, noting that projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore are currently in progress. He cited the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, and upcoming ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib as transformative initiatives that will boost connectivity and tourism.
Describing Uttarakhand as the “heartbeat of India’s spiritual life,” he said the Char Dham shrines and other sacred sites not only inspire devotion but also fuel the state’s economy. The Prime Minister emphasized developing Uttarakhand into the “Spiritual Capital of the World”, promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy centers in every constituency to attract global wellness tourism.
He also envisioned turning border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme into small tourism hubs featuring homestays, local cuisine, and cultural festivals. “Imagine tourists relishing dubke, chudkani, ras-bhaat, and jhangore ki kheer in the warmth of our mountain homes — this joy will bring them back again and again,” he said.
Stressing on “Vocal for Local,” PM Modi lauded Uttarakhand’s tradition of valuing indigenous products and highlighted that 15 local items have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, including Bedu fruit and Badri cow ghee. He praised the “House of Himalayas” brand for unifying the identity of local products and promoting them in national and global markets through digital platforms.
The Prime Minister also applauded the state’s initiatives in horticulture, aromatic plants, and organic farming, urging renewed focus on MSMEs, handicrafts, and food processing.
PM Modi noted that Uttarakhand’s year-round tourism potential is now expanding with winter, adventure, and eco-tourism witnessing new momentum. He cited the Pithoragarh high-altitude marathon and the growing popularity of the Adi Kailash Yatra, which has seen participation surge from 2,000 to over 30,000 pilgrims.
He also lauded Uttarakhand’s emergence as a film and wedding destination, calling for large-scale development of facilities under the “Wed in India” initiative to boost local employment and investment.
Commending Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s government, PM Modi praised the state’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, its firm stance on anti-conversion and riot control laws, and its effective disaster management efforts.
He urged the people to set their vision for the next 25 years – a roadmap for “Viksit Uttarakhand” within a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “If Uttarakhand resolves, it can truly emerge as the Spiritual Capital of the World,” he said.
Reaffirming the Centre’s unwavering support, he concluded, “The Government of India stands firmly with Uttarakhand in its journey of development. I wish every family and citizen happiness, prosperity, and a bright future.”
Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, CM Dhami, and Union Minister Ajay Tamta were present at the ceremony, which also saw the launch of a commemorative postal stamp marking the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand’s formation.