- Prime Minister launches major development projects to modernise infrastructure and transform connectivity in the national capital
- New Metro expansion, housing complexes and transport upgrades set to ease daily commute for lakhs of residents
- Government rolls out SVANidhi credit cards for street vendors, boosting financial inclusion and dignity of work
- PM highlights rising power of Nari Shakti and success of Lakhpati Didi initiative through Self-Help Groups
- Delhi’s development reflects India’s global confidence as a modern, connected and inclusive nation
NE NEWS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAR 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sweeping infrastructure push for the national capital, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of development projects worth around ₹33,500 crore aimed at transforming Delhi into a modern and globally competitive metropolis.
Addressing a gathering after the launch, the Prime Minister said the projects will significantly improve connectivity, public services and the quality of life for residents of the capital.
“Today, we have all gathered here to give a new momentum to the development of Delhi,” he said.
The wide-ranging initiatives include metro network expansion, modern residential complexes for government employees, transport upgrades, healthcare facilities and financial support programmes for street vendors.
Metro Expansion to Transform Commuting
A key highlight of the infrastructure push is the expansion of the Delhi Metro, which now stretches close to 375 kilometres, making it one of the world’s largest urban transit systems.
The newly inaugurated metro section is expected to benefit lakhs of commuters, especially residents of East and North-East Delhi, by significantly reducing travel time.
“The new metro section started today will provide major convenience to lakhs of people in the capital. For people of East and North-East Delhi, daily commute will now be much easier than ever before,” the Prime Minister said.
Clean Mobility and Better Transport
The Prime Minister said the government is modernising Delhi’s public transport system with a focus on clean mobility and last-mile connectivity.
More than 4,000 electric buses provided by the Centre are already operating in the city, while 1,800 additional buses have been deployed in the past year, including “Devi Buses” designed to improve connectivity across neighbourhoods.
Housing Boost for Government Employees
During his visit to Sarojini Nagar, the Prime Minister inaugurated modern residential complexes built for government employees.
“Those who work tirelessly to fulfil the nation’s resolutions deserve safe, clean and convenient living conditions,” he said, noting that thousands of flats handed over to beneficiaries will provide better living standards for the country’s “Karmayogis.”
Financial Empowerment for Street Vendors
The government also expanded the reach of the PM SVANidhi Yojana, which supports street vendors through formal credit access.
Nearly two lakh vendors in Delhi have already received more than ₹350 crore in assistance, and the government has now launched a campaign to provide SVANidhi credit cards, enabling vendors to access credit directly.
“Now our street vendor companions will have a credit card in their own pocket, which they can use according to their needs,” the Prime Minister said.
Nari Shakti Driving India’s Progress
Marking International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister praised the growing contribution of women in every sphere of life.
“Whether it is politics, administration, science, sports or social service, India’s Nari Shakti is moving forward with a new energy in every field,” he said.
He also highlighted the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, noting that over 10 crore women are now linked to Self-Help Groups, helping drive rural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Delhi as India’s Global Showcase
The Prime Minister stressed that the transformation of the national capital carries symbolic importance for the country’s global image.
“The development of Delhi is not just the development of one city; it is linked to the image of the entire country,” he said.
He added that modern infrastructure and seamless connectivity reflect the self-confidence of a New India moving steadily toward becoming a developed nation.
“The more modern, convenient and better-connected Delhi becomes, the more strongly India’s self-confidence will be visible to the world,” he remarked.
