Vidisha: In a significant push towards self-reliance, the foundation stone for the ₹1,800 crore ‘Brahma–BEML Rail Manufacturing Hub’ has been laid in Umaria village of Obedullaganj, within the Bhojpur Assembly of Vidisha Parliamentary Constituency in Madhya Pradesh. The state-of-the-art facility will focus on the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of Vande Bharat trains, metro coaches and defence products.
The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, local MP and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and several dignitaries, while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined virtually.
Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh Chouhan led a pledge to “adopt Swadeshi (indigenous goods)”, urging citizens to choose Indian-made products in daily life. “From now on, whether it’s food, clothing, oil, shampoo, or cosmetics — whatever we buy for our homes will be made in India. If 1.44 billion Indians start adopting Swadeshi, our economy will become stronger. This is what it means to live for the country,” he said.
He emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, saying, “Everyone lives for themselves, but a true citizen is the one who lives for the nation. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is making its voice heard strongly across the world, and now is the time for all of us to adopt Swadeshi together.”
Chouhan also reassured farmers that no international agreement would harm their interests. “The Prime Minister has made it clear that even if a personal price has to be paid, the interests of farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers will be safeguarded. Agreements with major countries will only be in the national interest,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s industrial potential, Chouhan pointed out that the Mandideep industrial area already has 752 operational units with exports worth around ₹20,000 crore. The new rail manufacturing hub is expected to create over 5,000 jobs for local youth and boost the MSME sector.
“Since childhood, I have undertaken foot marches and bicycle tours in this area. Today’s gift will ensure the region progresses by leaps and bounds,” Chouhan said, calling the project a symbol of national interest, Swadeshi promotion and youth empowerment.
The Brahma–BEML Rail Manufacturing Hub is set to become a landmark in Vidisha’s industrial journey, combining modern infrastructure with the vision of economic self-reliance.
BI Bureau
