Modi Inaugurates Multiple Infrastructure Projects in Delhi Ahead of Elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of major infrastructure projects worth over ₹12,000 crore in Delhi on Sunday, just days before the expected announcement of state assembly elections. This move is seen as a significant step in the BJP’s election campaign, showcasing development and public welfare initiatives.
The Prime Minister commenced his visit with the inauguration of a 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), connecting Sahibabad in Ghaziabad to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi. This marks a crucial development in the project, which is poised to revolutionize public transport between Delhi and Meerut. Modi also inaugurated the Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension section of the Delhi Metro, the first operational stretch of Metro Phase 4, further expanding Delhi’s metro network.
Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor of the Delhi Metro, which will enhance connectivity in the northern part of the city. He also laid the foundation for a new building for the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Rohini, valued at ₹185 crore, aimed at enhancing the research and development in Ayurveda.
In his address at Japanese Park, Modi strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, describing its governance as disastrous and accusing them of neglecting the city’s growth. He assured the public that a BJP-led government would prioritize public welfare and development initiatives without interruption.
The AAP, however, countered these claims, asserting that it was an equal stakeholder in the success of these projects and accusing the BJP of failing to deliver on promises made to Delhi’s citizens.
This inauguration is part of a broader infrastructure push by Modi. Just two days prior, he had launched projects worth ₹4,500 crore, including the construction of 1,675 new flats for the underprivileged in Ashok Vihar and new campuses for Delhi University.
One of the highlights of Sunday’s events was Modi’s ride on the newly launched Namo Bharat RRTS, a high-speed rail corridor designed to connect Delhi with Meerut. This 82 km-long corridor will dramatically cut travel time between Delhi and Meerut, with trains reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h. The first section, from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, was operationalized in October 2023, and further stretches are set to be completed by June 2025.
Accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Modi emphasized the importance of the RRTS for economic development, calling it a “gift to the people of Delhi-NCR.” Atishi, in her statement, reiterated that the RRTS was a collaborative effort between the central government and the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, with the Delhi government contributing ₹1,260 crore to the project.
Later, Modi inaugurated the Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension section of the Delhi Metro, a key addition to the city’s rapidly growing metro network, which now has 289 stations. Atishi highlighted that the Delhi government has invested over ₹7,000 crore in the metro system in the last decade, making Delhi a model city for sustainable public transport.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Rithala-Narela-Kundli Metro corridor, further extending the Red Line of the Delhi Metro network, which remains the city’s first Metro line.
Concluding his visit, Modi addressed a rally in Rohini, criticizing the AAP-led government for its inefficiency and promising that under BJP leadership, Delhi would witness robust development. He expressed confidence that the people of Delhi were ready for change, using the slogan “AAPda nahi sahenge, Badal Ke Rahenge” (We will not tolerate disaster, we will bring change).
These moves are part of Modi’s ongoing push to bolster the BJP’s visibility and commitment to infrastructure development ahead of the February elections, signaling a major emphasis on public welfare projects as a key election promise.
