Team News Riveting
Bikaner, May 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that Now India had made it clear, Pakistan would have to pay a heavy price for every terrorist attack.
The Prime Minister inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan today.
Addressing the occasion, he welcomed the large gathering at the event, acknowledging the significant participation of people from 18 states and union territories who joined online. He highlighted the presence of several governors, chief ministers, lieutenant governors, and other public representatives. The Prime Minister extended his greetings to all esteemed dignitaries and citizens connected from across the country.
Emphasising the unwavering spirit of Rajasthan, stating that nothing is greater than the country and its people, the Prime Minister condemned the terrorist attack on April 22, where assailants targeted innocent lives based on their faith. He remarked that while the bullets were fired in Pahalgam, they wounded the hearts of 140 crore Indians, uniting the nation in resolve against terrorism. He highlighted the decisive response by India’s armed forces, stating that they were given full operational freedom. He noted that in a meticulously executed operation, the three forces collaborated to dismantle Pakistan’s defenses, forcing them into submission. He revealed that in response to the April 22 attack, India struck back within 22 minutes, destroying nine major terrorist hideouts. “This action demonstrated the nation’s strength, proving that when the sacred sindoor turns into firepower, the outcome is definitive”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He also pointed out a significant coincidence—five years ago, after the Balakot air strike, his first public rally was in Rajasthan. Similarly, following the recent Operation Sindoor, his first rally is again in Rajasthan, in Bikaner, reaffirming the land’s deep-rooted valor and patriotism.
Shri Modi recalled his statement in Churu, reaffirming his commitment to the nation: “Swear by this soil, I will not let the country fall, I will not let the country bow.” He declared from Rajasthan that those who attempted to erase the sacred sindoor have been reduced to dust, and those who spilled India’s blood have now paid the price in full. The Prime Minister stated that those who assumed India would remain silent are now in hiding, while those who boasted about their weapons now lie buried beneath rubble. Emphasizing that Operation Sindoor was not an act of revenge, but a new form of justice, he remarked that it was not just an expression of outrage but a display of India’s unwavering strength and determination. He asserted that the nation has adopted a bold approach, striking the enemy directly and decisively. “Crushing terrorism is not just a strategy but a principle, this is India, this is the new India”, stressed Shri Modi.
Outlining the three key principles established through Operation Sindoor in India’s fight against terrorism, the Prime Minister stated the first principle – any terrorist attack on India would be met with a decisive response, with the timing, method, and terms determined solely by India’s armed forces. Second, he asserted that India would not be intimidated by nuclear threats. Third, he emphasized that India would no longer differentiate between terrorist masterminds and the governments that support them, rejecting Pakistan’s distinction between state and non-state actors. Highlighting ongoing global efforts to expose Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, seven distinct groups, comprising leaders from various political parties and foreign policy experts, are actively working to present Pakistan’s true face to the world, he added.
Modi asserted that Pakistan can never win a direct confrontation with India, recalling its repeated failures in past conflicts. He emphasized that, unable to succeed in open battles, Pakistan has long used terrorism as a weapon against India, resorting to violence and creating an atmosphere of fear. He declared that Pakistan had underestimated India’s resolve, stating that under his leadership, the nation stands strong and unwavering. “Any terrorist attack on India would result in severe consequences, with Pakistan paying a heavy price—borne by its military and its economy”, stated Shri Modi.
Prime Minister stated that upon arriving in Bikaner, he landed at Nal Airport, which Pakistan had attempted to target but failed to inflict any damage. He highlighted that across the border, Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan Airbase has been forced to shut down for several days due to India’s precise military strikes, which severely impacted its operations. The Prime Minister firmly declared that there would be neither trade nor talks with Pakistan. He asserted that any discussions would solely revolve around Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He warned that if Pakistan continued exporting terrorists, it would face economic ruin. He reiterated that India would not allow Pakistan access to its rightful share of water and that playing with Indian blood would come at a steep cost. “This resolve is India’s commitment, one that no force in the world can shake”, he stressed.
“Both security and prosperity are essential for building a developed India”, emphasised Shri Modi, asserting that this vision can only be realized when every corner of the country is strengthened. He stated that the event serves as an exemplary demonstration of India’s balanced and accelerated growth. Concluding his address, he extended his congratulations from the land of valor to all present.
The Governor of Rajasthan, Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Arjun Ram Meghwal were present among other dignitaries at the event.
In line with his commitment to constantly improve and enhance the rail infrastructure in the country, Prime Minister inaugurated 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations in 86 districts across 18 States and Union Territories of India developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. Over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, designed to reflect regional architecture and enhance passenger amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Deshnoke railway station, serving pilgrims and tourists visiting the Karni Mata Temple among others, is inspired with temple architecture and arch and column theme. Begumpet railway station in Telangana is inspired by the architecture of the Kakatiya empire. Thawe station in Bihar incorporates various murals and art works representing Maa Thawewali, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and depicting Madhubani paintings. Dakor station in Gujarat is inspired by Ranchhodrai Ji Maharaj. The redeveloped Amrit stations across India integrate modern infrastructure with cultural heritage, passenger-centric amenities including those for Divyangjan and sustainable practices to enhance the travel experience.
Indian Railway is marching towards 100% electrification of its network, making railway operations more efficient and environment friendly. In line with this, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Churu-Sadulpur rail line (58 km) and dedicated to the Nation Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km); Phulera-Degana (109 km); Udaipur-Himmatnagar (210 km); Phalodi-Jaisalmer (157 km) and Samdari-Barmer (129 km) rail line electrification.
In a major boost to road infrastructure in the state, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of 3 Vehicle Underpasses, widening and strengthening of National highways. He will also dedicate 7 roadways projects in Rajasthan. The roadways projects, worth over Rs 4850 crore, will facilitate smoother movement of goods and people. The highways extend up to the Indo-Pak border, enhancing accessibility for security forces and strengthening India’s defence infrastructure.
Furthering the vision of electricity for all and green and clean energy, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of power projects including Solar projects at Bikaner and Nawa in Didwana Kuchaman, and Transmission Systems for Evacuation of Power Part B PowerGrid Sirohi Transmission Ltd and Part E PowerGrid Mewar Transmission Ltd. He will also inaugurate power projects including Solar project at Bikaner, Transmission system for Evacuation of PowerGrid Neemuch and from Bikaner Complex, Augmentation of transformation capacity at Fatehgarh-II Power Station which will provide clean energy and reduce carbon emission.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated 25 important state government projects across Rajasthan to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, power supply, health services, and water availability in the state. These include laying of foundation stone and dedication to the nation of projects for upgrading and maintaining 12 State Highways covering a total length of over 750 km worth over Rs 3,240 crore; further expansion under the program includes an additional 900 km of new highways. Prime Minister inaugurated power projects at Bikaner and Udaipur. He also inaugurated Nursing Colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Dholpur which will play a key role in enhancing health infrastructure in the state. He also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various water infrastructure projects in the region including Rural Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project in Jhunjhunu District, Restructuring of Urban Water Supply Schemes in 7 Towns of Pali District under AMRUT 2.0, among others.
