Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched one of the largest development packages in India’s history, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,22,100 crore from Banswara, Rajasthan. The mega announcement encompasses nuclear power, renewable energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects that will transform the state’s development trajectory.
- ₹42,000 Crore Nuclear Power Plant Foundation Laid
- Comprehensive Energy Portfolio Worth ₹90,000 Crore
- Three New Train Services Flagged Off
- Infrastructure and Water Resource Development
- Healthcare and Urban Development Initiatives
- Employment Generation Drive
- Political and Economic Significance
- Strategic Impact on Rajasthan’s Development
₹42,000 Crore Nuclear Power Plant Foundation Laid
The centerpiece of the announcement was the foundation stone laying for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, valued at ₹42,000 crore. The nuclear facility will house four indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a total capacity of 2,800 MW, making it one of India’s largest nuclear installations.
The project, developed under Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited’s (NPCIL) “fleet mode” initiative, represents a significant step toward India’s energy self-sufficiency. PM Modi emphasized that the nuclear plant will be a “landmark initiative” ensuring energy independence for Rajasthan while driving local employment and economic growth.
Comprehensive Energy Portfolio Worth ₹90,000 Crore
The Prime Minister announced power sector projects totaling over ₹90,000 crore across five states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Key energy initiatives include:
Renewable Energy Projects:
- Solar energy projects worth ₹19,210 crore across Rajasthan
- 590 MW renewable energy facility in Bikaner costing ₹8,500 crore
- PM-KUSUM scheme projects of 3,517 MW capacity worth ₹16,050 crore
- 1,400 MW solar energy plants and 925 MW Nokh Solar Park inauguration
Power Transmission Infrastructure:
- ₹13,180 crore transmission projects under Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) scheme
- High-capacity transmission lines with 15.5 GW capacity across Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sirohi, Nagaur, and Bikaner
- Three new grid substations in Bikaner and Jaisalmer
Three New Train Services Flagged Off
PM Modi virtually flagged off three major train services to boost Rajasthan’s rail connectivity:
Vande Bharat Express Services:
- Bikaner-Delhi Cantt Vande Bharat Express: Reduces travel time to 6 hours 15 minutes, operating 6 days a week except Wednesdays from September 28, 2025
- Jodhpur-Delhi Cantt Vande Bharat Express: Covers the distance in 8 hours, operating 6 days a week except Tuesdays from September 27, 2025
- Udaipur City-Chandigarh Express: Connecting southern Rajasthan with northern India, starting regular operations from September 27, 2025
Each Vande Bharat train features 8 coaches with modern amenities including Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, bio-toilets, and pantry services, accommodating 608 passengers with 52 executive class and 556 chair car seats.
Infrastructure and Water Resource Development
The package includes substantial infrastructure investments worth over ₹29,000 crore:
Water Resource Projects (₹20,830 crore):
- Multiple dam constructions and reservoir developments
- 15 new drinking water supply projects across 11 districts under AMRUT 2.0 worth ₹5,884 crore
- Canal works and lift irrigation schemes
- Completion of Isarda dam and Dholpur lift scheme projects
Road and Bridge Infrastructure (₹2,630 crore):
- Construction of flyovers in Bharatpur city
- Bridge construction over Banas River
- 116 Atal Pragati Path projects for improved regional connectivity
- Seven road projects across Barmer, Ajmer, Beawar, Dungarpur, Banswara, Rajsamand, and Udaipur
Healthcare and Urban Development Initiatives
The development package addresses critical social infrastructure needs:
Healthcare Infrastructure:
- 250-bed RBM Hospital inauguration in Bharatpur
- Enhanced healthcare facilities across tribal regions
Urban Development Projects:
- IT Development and E-Governance Centre in Jaipur
- Sewerage system with treatment plants and pumping stations in Makrana city
- Sewerage and water supply projects in Mandawa and Jhunjhunu districts
Employment Generation Drive
In line with his commitment to youth employment, PM Modi distributed over 15,000 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees across various departments. The beneficiaries include:
- 5,770 animal attendants
- 4,190 junior assistants
- 1,800 junior instructors
- 1,460 junior engineers
- 1,200 third-grade level-2 teachers
Political and Economic Significance
Addressing a massive public gathering in Banswara, PM Modi positioned the projects as part of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. He criticized previous Congress governments for “misgovernance and exploitation,” claiming his administration has restored law and order while accelerating development pace.
The Prime Minister announced an additional ₹30,000 crore worth of projects specifically for Rajasthan, focusing on water, electricity, and healthcare access improvements. He emphasized that tribal communities in southern Rajasthan would receive direct benefits, stating, “It is our commitment to ensure that tribal communities live with dignity and self-respect”.
Strategic Impact on Rajasthan’s Development
The mega investment package represents the largest single-day project announcement for Rajasthan, with ₹1,08,468 crore specifically allocated to the state. The initiatives span critical sectors including:
- Energy security through nuclear and renewable sources
- Transportation connectivity via rail and road networks
- Water security through comprehensive irrigation and drinking water projects
- Employment generation across multiple skill levels
- Healthcare and urban infrastructure modernization
PM Modi declared that these projects would transform Rajasthan, particularly the southern region, putting it on a “fast track of development” while contributing significantly to India’s overall economic growth trajectory.
PM Modi launches ₹1.22 lakh crore development projects in Rajasthan