Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of a host of infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. "The projects inaugurated today is a proof of how fast the double-engine government in Maharashtra and at the Centre is working," he said at Nagpur adding that these projects give a holistic vision of infrastructure in the state and will give a new direction to development in Maharashtra.
Launching his attack on the Opposition he said that the country needed sustainable development, not "shortcut politics." He urged people to remain cautious against politicians indulging in "shortcut" politics, looting taxpayers' money and grabbing power through false promises. ''Country's development cannot take place through shortcut politics," he said.
"A developed India can become a reality through united strength, progress and development of all states. When we have a narrow approach towards development, opportunities are also limited," he said.
"In the last eight years, we have changed the mindset and approach with 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' (with everyone's efforts and trust), " he said. "Some political parties are trying to destroy the country's economy and people should expose such politicians and parties. My appeal to all political leaders is to focus on sustainable development instead of shortcut politics. You can win elections with sustainable development," he said.
Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Nagpur and Ajni railway stations and inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur. Earlier in the day he also inaugurated the first phase of the 'Samruddhi Expressway'. The first phase of the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg connects Nagpur and Shirdi. It is one of India's longest expressways, passing through Maharashtra’s 10 districts and the prominent urban regions of Amravati, Aurangabad and Nashik.
While taking a ride on the Nagpur Metro from Freedom Park to Khapri the Prime Minister interacted with students following which he launched the first phase of the Nagpur Metro and laid the foundation for its second phase.
PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express (between Nagpur and Bilaspur) from Nagpur Railway Station soon after he arrived in the city Sunday morning. He was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He will lay the foundation stone of the National Institute of One Health and the Nag river pollution abatement project, besides inaugurating the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology and the Centre for Research, Management and Control of Hemoglobinopathies, the PMO had stated earlier.
Around 4,000 personnel has been deployed for security during Modi's visit to Nagpur, supported by Quick Response Teams, the Riot Control Police and Home Guards, a senior police official said. Around 1,000 police personnel has been deployed at the AIIMS premises alone, he said.
In the latter half of the day, PM Modi will be at Goa to inaugurate the Mopa International Airport whose foundation stone was laid by him in November 2016. This will be the second airport in Goa, the first one being located at Dabolim.
