Prime Minister on Monday announced that Gujarat has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, marking a major infrastructure milestone in his home state.
Addressing a public meeting in Dahod, Modi described the feat as a “remarkable achievement” and lauded the people of Gujarat for their contribution. The announcement came during the inauguration of several railway and development projects worth over ₹24,000 crore. PM Modi flagged off the first electric locomotive manufactured at the new Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory, a state-of-the-art facility set to produce 9,000-horsepower engines for both domestic use and export. Reflecting on the transformation of India’s railway sector over the past decade, the Prime Minister highlighted that nearly 70 routes now host Vande Bharat Express trains. He announced a new Vande Bharat service connecting Ahmedabad and Veraval, along with an express train between Dahod and Valsad to serve the tribal belt.
The Dahod factory, whose foundation stone Modi laid three years ago, is expected to generate significant employment, not only through direct jobs but also via local small-scale industries supplying railway components. “Every locomotive made here will bear Dahod’s name,” Modi said, positioning the city as a key player in India’s industrial growth. He further stated that India has become a global hub for rail and metro technology, manufacturing coaches and locomotives for countries including Australia, England, Saudi Arabia, France, Mexico, and Sri Lanka. Indian coaches are also in use in Mozambique, and components are being exported to countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy. PM Modi underlined that a robust railway network boosts industries, agriculture, and rural development. He said several regions in Gujarat, which previously relied on slow, narrow-gauge trains, have seen rapid transformation and improved connectivity under his government.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was also present at the event, noted that work on the Dahod locomotive plant began in 2023 after Modi’s directive in 2022. The new locomotives will feature regenerative braking systems and are designed for energy efficiency, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising that the new infrastructure will spur employment and economic growth, benefiting farmers, shopkeepers, livestock owners, and daily wage labourers, creating a ripple effect of prosperity throughout the region.
