PM Modi visited Karni Mata Temple during his Bikaner visit and inaugurated development projects worth ₹26,000 crore. He inaugurated railway, road, and solar energy schemes, sending a message of empowerment to border areas.
Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bikaner, Rajasthan on Thursday, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for several major projects. This visit is seen not just as a development tour, but also as a b message near the Pakistan border, especially in the wake of the recent Indian Army operation, Operation Sindur, targeting the Pakistan-based headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Visit Commences with Karni Mata Temple Darshan
PM Modi's visit began with a visit to the famous Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, Bikaner district. This temple is renowned among devotees for its sanctity and historical significance. Deshnok railway station, located near the Karni Mata Temple, has also been redeveloped and redesigned for the convenience of pilgrims.
Significant Boost for the Railway Sector
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnok railway station and flag off an express train connecting Bikaner to Mumbai. He will also lay the foundation stone for the 58-kilometer-long Churu-Sadulpur rail line, which will significantly enhance passenger and freight transport capacity in the region.
These railway projects are not limited to Rajasthan. PM Modi will also virtually inaugurate 103 ‘Amrit Stations’ across 86 districts nationwide, a project costing approximately ₹1100 crore.
Progress Towards Railway Electrification and Green Energy
During the visit, PM Modi will dedicate several railway electrification projects to the nation. These include the electrification of crucial rail lines such as Suratgarh-Phalodi, Fulera-Degana, Udaipur-Himmatnagar, Phalodi-Jaisalmer, and Samadari-Barmer. This is a significant step towards achieving 100% electrification of the Indian Railways, promoting both energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, foundation stones will be laid for solar power projects in Bikaner and Nawa (Didwana-Kuchaman). This will further strengthen Rajasthan's energy grid.
Boost to Road and Transport Sector
In the transport sector, PM Modi will launch three new underpass projects and dedicate seven completed road projects to the nation. The total cost of these roads is approximately ₹4850 crore. This will directly improve connectivity to the India-Pakistan border, enhance ease of travel for citizens, and strengthen the logistics system for security forces.
Emphasis on Health, Water, and Infrastructure
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 25 major projects initiated by the state government. These projects cover areas such as health services, drinking water supply, urban and rural infrastructure, and digital connectivity. The aim is to accelerate regional development and provide better facilities to the public.
PM's Border Visit After Operation Sindur
This visit is also considered strategically significant. Just 40 kilometers from Bikaner, the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, was recently destroyed in Indian action. Following Operation Sindur, Pakistan attempted to target the Nal airbase, an attempt thwarted by Indian security forces. Therefore, PM Modi's visit to the Nal airbase and meeting with the air force personnel stationed there is seen as a move to bolster national security and the morale of the armed forces.
