Cities must be smart, efficient, and fast for India to lead: PM Modi in Bengaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that in order for India to lead on the global stage, Indian cities should become smart, efficient, and fast, underscoring the government’s strong focus on completing modern infrastructure projects. PM Modi was in Bengaluru to inaugurate the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro—worth around ₹7,160 crore—and laid the foundation stone of phase 3 of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, a project worth over ₹15,610 crore.

“In the 21st century, urban planning and urban infrastructure are critical needs for our cities,” said the Prime Minister, stating that cities like Bengaluru must be prepared for the future. He highlighted that in recent years, the Government of India has launched projects worth thousands of crores for Bengaluru and today, this campaign is gaining new momentum. 

PM Modi also flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains connecting different parts of the country. He added that the commencement of the Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Belagavi will boost trade and tourism in Belagavi. Additionally, Vande Bharat Express trains were launched between Nagpur and Pune and between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Amritsar. The PM noted that these services will benefit lakhs of devotees and promote tourism.

In his address, PM Modi highlighted that India is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world. In the past eleven years, India’s economy has risen from the 10th position to the top five globally. It is rapidly progressing toward becoming one of the top three economies,” highlighted PM Modi. He attributed this momentum to the spirit of “Reform, Perform, and Transform,” driven by clear intent and honest efforts. 

Reflecting on infrastructure growth, the Prime Minister recalled that in 2014, metro services were limited to just five cities. Today, he added, metro networks span over 1,000 kilometres across 24 cities, making India the third-largest metro network globally. PM Modi also pointed out that before 2014, only about 20,000 kilometres of railway routes had been electrified. In the last eleven years alone, more than 40,000 kilometres of railway routes have been electrified, marking a significant leap in sustainable transport development.

The PM also highlighted that in 2014, India had only 74 airports, and today, the number has increased to over 160. He also pointed out the remarkable progress in waterway infrastructure, stating that in 2014, only three national waterways were operational; this number has now risen to 30.

“The journey to a Viksit Bharat will move forward hand in hand with Digital India”, averred PM Modi, noting that through initiatives like the India AI Mission, India is advancing toward global AI leadership. He added that the Semiconductor Mission is also gaining momentum, and India will soon have its own made-in-India chip. The Prime Minister stated that India has become a global example of low-cost, high-tech space missions. He emphasised that India is progressing in all areas of futuristic technology, and the most remarkable aspect of this advancement is the empowerment of the poor.

According to the PM, India’s next big priority should be becoming self-reliant in technology. He highlighted that Indian tech companies have made a mark globally, developing software and products for the entire world. He stressed that it is now time to prioritise India’s own needs more strongly and must accelerate the development of new products, especially as software and apps are now being used across every domain. 

PM Modi stated that it is essential for India to reach new heights in this space. He stressed the need to strengthen Bengaluru and Karnataka’s presence in Make in India and the manufacturing sector. He urged that India’s products must adhere to the Zero Defect, Zero Effect standard, meaning they should be flawless in quality and have no negative impact on the environment. He expressed confidence that Karnataka’s talent will lead the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The PM also stated that whether it is the central government or state governments, all are committed to serving the people, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to improve the lives of citizens. He highlighted that companies like Infosys Foundation, Biocon, and Delta Electronics have provided part-funding for several key metro stations. He heaped praise on this innovative use of CSR as a source of inspiration and acknowledged the contribution made by the corporate sector.