Last Updated on July 17, 2026 11:18 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
JALANDHAR/CHANDIGARH
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a massive infrastructure push in Punjab and Chandigarh, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a slew of rail and road projects valued at over ₹5,470 crore. The initiatives, spanning healthcare, connectivity, and education, are designed to stimulate regional economic growth and enhance public convenience.
Connectivity Boost: Railways and Highways
In a major boost to regional mobility, the Prime Minister inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including key hubs like Jalandhar Cantt, Mohali, and Sri Anandpur Sahib. These stations have been upgraded with modern amenities to improve the passenger experience.
Additionally, PM Modi flagged off the new Sant Ravidas Express, a thrice-a-week service connecting the spiritual centers of Amritsar and Varanasi. The rail expansion also included the inauguration of the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli line and the commencement of the Kartoli-Ambala train services.
On the road infrastructure front, the Prime Minister inaugurated the four-lane greenfield Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and laid the foundation stone for the six-lane Southern Ludhiana Bypass, aiming to streamline logistics and travel across the state.
Healthcare and Educational Advancements in Chandigarh
Earlier in Chandigarh, the Prime Minister unveiled projects worth ₹4,700 crore, focusing heavily on augmenting the region’s medical capacity. Key highlights included:
- Advanced Healthcare: Dedication of a ₹505 crore Mother and Child Care Centre and a ₹440 crore Neurosciences Centre.
- Critical Care: Foundation stone laid for a 259-bed critical care block at PGIMER under the PM-ABHIM scheme.
- Urban Infrastructure: Inauguration of the Zirakpur-Kurali Greenfield highway and new academic blocks at Punjab Engineering College and Punjab University.
Highlighting the city’s modernization, the Prime Minister noted that over ₹2,500 crore has been invested in Chandigarh’s smart city initiatives, including intelligent traffic management and digital governance, setting a benchmark for urban planning.
Political Undertones
During his address in Jalandhar, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the NDA government’s “Nagarik Devo Bhava” (Citizens as God) philosophy, emphasizing a commitment to Punjab’s development. However, he also levied sharp criticism against the state government, alleging that central funds were being mismanaged and that the state was suffering from a debt crisis, corruption, and deteriorating law and order. He further criticized the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing them of prioritizing political interests over the welfare of the public.
Speaking on national reforms, the Prime Minister underscored the shift from colonial-era penal laws to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), noting that Chandigarh was the first to implement these significant changes in the criminal justice system.