PM Modi flags off freight, passenger train services in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara, including key railway and highway infrastructure initiatives.The Prime Minister dedicated three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to the nation, marking the completion and operationalisation of the freight corridor network. He said the completion of more than 2,800 km of dedicated freight corridors was a major milestone for India’s transport and logistics sector.

#WATCH | Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off freight train services and a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara (Pratapnagar).

(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/9r50Yo7S9F

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2026

Addressing the gathering, Modi said the separation of freight and passenger traffic has improved railway efficiency, reduced travel time and helped lower fuel consumption and emissions. He said the dedicated corridors would strengthen the country’s supply chains and support faster movement of goods.During the programme, the Prime Minister flagged off freight train services from New Sanand, New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT. He also launched a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara, improving rail connectivity for tribal areas, including Alirajpur.

We are strengthening India's infrastructure to move people and goods faster, create new opportunities and power economic growth. Addressing a programme in Vadodara during the launch of key projects. https://t.co/JfapjA64fm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2026

Modi said India is emerging as a major manufacturing hub and highlighted the growing domestic production of modern railway coaches, wagons and metro coaches. He also spoke about the government’s focus on building a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem under the “Chip to Ship” vision.PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for three railway expansion projects worth more than Rs 9,700 crore and three National Highway projects valued at around Rs 1,780 crore. The initiatives are aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.In addition, he launched Gujarat government projects worth around Rs 2,600 crore, including a floating solar power project at Kadana Dam and housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.Modi also highlighted the government’s focus on expanding solar, wind and nuclear energy capacity, noting that a strong energy ecosystem would be essential to support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and other technology-driven industries.

(State Correspondent)