Vinod Bhat
BALOTRA (RAJASTHAN), July 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and dedicated development projects worth over ₹1.06 lakh crore in Rajasthan, including a new airport terminal in Jodhpur, Jaipur Metro Phase-II, regional air connectivity initiatives and major water infrastructure projects.
Addressing a public gathering in Balotra, Modi said the projects would accelerate economic growth, improve connectivity and generate employment across the state.
Among the key projects inaugurated was the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, which is expected to enhance passenger handling capacity and boost tourism and trade in the Marwar region. The prime minister also announced a new phase of the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme aimed at improving air links to smaller towns and remote areas.
The Centre also laid the foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase-II, which will expand the city’s metro network to more than 50 kilometres by connecting its north-south and east-west corridors.
PM Modi said the expansion would improve urban mobility and provide better transport facilities for residents and tourists visiting the state capital.
The prime minister also announced a major drinking water project for Rajasthan’s water-scarce Shekhawati region, saying Rajasthan and Haryana had reached an agreement to bring water from the Hathnikund Barrage through underground pipelines.
The project, estimated to cost around ₹34,000 crore, is expected to benefit lakhs of people in Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts.
He said Rajasthan was also emerging as a major renewable energy hub, noting that more than 1.5 lakh households had been connected under the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme, while over 65,000 solar pumps had been provided to farmers under the PM Kusum programme.
He also handed over appointment letters to nearly 54,000 newly recruited government employees and said the youth would play an important role in Rajasthan’s development.
The projects are part of the Centre’s continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth, with investments spanning transport, urban mobility, aviation, water supply and renewable energy sectors.
