Daman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth around ₹2,970 crore in Daman, covering healthcare, aviation, tourism, education, connectivity and urban infrastructure.

Addressing a large gathering, Modi said the Union Territory had undergone significant transformation in recent years and highlighted its growing diversity.

“Daman has become a living example of Mini India, where the residence of people from different regions provides a beautiful glimpse of the entire country,” remarked Modi.

Referring to the pace of development in Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, he said the region had made consistent progress through focused governance and infrastructure expansion.

“Every time I come here, I feel that compared to my last visit, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development,” noted Modi.

The Prime Minister said the newly launched projects would improve public services and create opportunities for young people.

“These development works will drastically make the lives of the people easier and successfully create new avenues for the youth,” asserted Modi.

Speaking about the national economy, Modi cited the latest GDP figures and said India had maintained strong growth despite global uncertainties. According to him, the country recorded a growth rate of 7.7 per cent in 2025-26, while growth in the quarter ending March 31 stood at 7.8 per cent.

“Even in this difficult phase of the global crisis, with the collective efforts of 140 crore countrymen, India is sustaining itself and striving to remain at the forefront,” affirmed Modi.

On World Environment Day, the Prime Minister highlighted Diu’s achievement of running all government buildings on solar energy and called for wider adoption of rooftop solar systems.

“We have to take this further so that homes also get electricity from solar energy and families earn an income from the surplus,” asserted Modi.

He also praised cleanliness initiatives in the region and the active involvement of citizens in maintaining public spaces.

“This active public participation clearly shows how cleanliness has truly become a spirit among the people,” observed Modi.

Drawing a comparison with Singapore’s development journey, Modi said major infrastructure projects such as Namo Airport and the Damanganga bridge would help position the region as a larger economic and tourism destination.

“Through all such infrastructure, we are laying a rock-solid foundation for the great resolutions of the future,” affirmed Modi.

He added that projects such as Transport Nagar would strengthen trade and logistics networks.

“Facilities like Transport Nagar will undoubtedly give a new and powerful momentum to our trade and logistics,” noted Modi.

Linking regional growth with India's broader maritime ambitions, Modi said investments in ports and coastal infrastructure would contribute to the country's blue economy goals.

“All these targeted efforts driven by high-tech infrastructure will significantly increase the country's strength in the blue economy,” asserted Modi.

Focusing on healthcare, the Prime Minister said government initiatives had expanded access to affordable treatment, especially for vulnerable sections of society.

“Today, even the poorest of the poor have the facility of an Ayushman card and the solid assurance of free medical treatment up to 5 lakh rupees,” affirmed Modi.

He said schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras had helped reduce healthcare expenses for millions of families.

“Through the Ayushman card and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, around two and a quarter lakh crore rupees of the poor and middle class have been successfully saved,” observed Modi.

Modi also referred to the expansion of medical infrastructure in the region, including the inauguration of a new hospital in Daman and advanced healthcare facilities in Silvassa.

“The people of this region will now get the immense benefit of even better and highly advanced healthcare,” affirmed Modi.

Citing findings from the National Family Health Survey, he said institutional deliveries and child immunisation rates had improved significantly over the past decade due to programmes such as Mission Indradhanush.

“Today Ayushman Bharat has fundamentally changed those figures, and now more than 60 percent of families are getting this vital security,” noted Modi.

Highlighting the impact of healthcare initiatives on women, he said they had emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of government programmes.

“If anyone has benefited the most from the government's sincere efforts in the health sector, it is undeniably the Nari Shakti of the country,” remarked Modi.

On education, the Prime Minister said investments in smart classrooms, higher education institutions and skill development centres were helping students pursue quality education closer to home.

“I am glad that the Union Territory is gradually and firmly coming forward in the highly critical field of education,” observed Modi.

He also highlighted schemes aimed at supporting girls' education.

“Schemes like the Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping the daughters here a lot,” noted Modi.

Calling for stronger alignment between education and industry requirements, Modi stressed the need for training in emerging sectors such as drones, information technology and renewable energy.

“Our current targeted preparation in professional sectors will fundamentally strengthen India's future workforce,” asserted Modi.

The Prime Minister announced the foundation of the 18th National Institute of Fashion Technology campus and expansion of technical education opportunities in Daman.

“This premier institute will permanently connect the youth here with invaluable global exposure,” affirmed Modi.

Turning to sports and tourism, Modi said initiatives such as Khelo India had expanded opportunities for young athletes from smaller towns, while Diu had emerged as a leading destination for beach sports.

“Efforts like Khelo India have given a completely new platform for youth from smaller regions to show their incredible talent,” remarked Modi.

He said programmes such as Dekho Apna Desh were helping promote heritage, eco and adventure tourism while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

“Our ultimate effort is that tourism consistently promotes local art and culture while connecting small places with massive opportunities,” asserted Modi.

Pointing to a sharp rise in tourist arrivals, he credited investments in beaches, seafront development and public infrastructure.

“Numerous spots like the Daman Night Market and Namo Path Sea-front are actively forging a brand new identity for this entire region today,” observed Modi.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the industrial strength of the region, particularly in man-made fibre manufacturing, and said continued support to MSMEs would help drive future growth.

“I am fully confident that in the times to come, this region will absolutely become a major hub for manufacturing,” affirmed Modi.

Concluding his address, Modi said the Centre would continue supporting the aspirations of local youth, farmers and entrepreneurs.

“The central government will always stand firmly shoulder to shoulder with you to fulfill your dreams,” affirmed Modi.

BI Bureau