Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹1.06 lakh crore in Rajasthan’s Balotra, describing it as a landmark day for the state’s infrastructure and economic growth. The projects span the energy, aviation, rail, road, metro and water sectors, with the Prime Minister saying they would strengthen connectivity, create employment and improve ease of living.
Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi dedicated the Rajasthan Refinery to the nation, calling it a major step towards India’s energy security and self-reliance. He said the refinery would generate thousands of jobs and serve as a key industrial hub for the state. Referring to the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport and the launch of the next phase of the UDAN scheme earlier in the day, he said the initiatives would provide a fresh boost to tourism, trade and employment in the Marwar region.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase-2, saying it would expand the city’s metro network to over 50 kilometres by connecting the east-west and north-south corridors. He further announced that nearly 54,000 government job appointment letters had been distributed to youths across Rajasthan, wishing them success in their public service careers.
Speaking on the recent global energy crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia, PM Modi said India successfully navigated the challenge through timely decisions, effective planning, balanced utilisation of resources and proactive diplomacy. He noted that despite heavy dependence on fuel imports, India prevented shortages, increased domestic LPG production, expanded piped natural gas connections and kept cooking gas prices under control. He also said the government absorbed significant financial losses and reduced excise duty on fuel to shield consumers from soaring international crude prices.
The Prime Minister said India expanded its fuel import network from around 25 countries to more than 40, helping ensure uninterrupted energy supplies during the crisis. He also highlighted measures taken to tackle fertiliser shortages following the Ukraine conflict, including subsidies, diversification of supply sources and promotion of natural farming.
PM Modi thanked the people of India for standing with the government during difficult times and resisting misinformation and panic. He said the trust between citizens and the government had enabled the country to overcome multiple challenges.
On water infrastructure, the Prime Minister announced that Rajasthan and Haryana had finalised an agreement to bring water from the Hathnikund Barrage to the Shekhawati region through an underground pipeline. The project, estimated at around ₹34,000 crore, is expected to benefit residents of Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu and nearby districts.
Highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable development, PM Modi said Rajasthan was rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity through solar parks, the PM Surya Ghar scheme and PM Kusum Yojana. He also referred to nationwide water conservation efforts under the ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’ campaign, saying millions of soak pits had been created to improve groundwater levels.
Concluding his address, the PM said Rajasthan was at the centre of India’s infrastructure transformation and expressed confidence that continued public support would help build a more prosperous future for the state.
