PM Modi launches Rs 8,100-crore development projects as Uttarakhand turns 25: Key initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, November 9, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 8,140 crore in Uttarakhand as the state celebrated 25 years of its formation. Addressing a large gathering at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, PM Modi said Uttarakhand’s progress over the past two and a half decades reflects the “collective determination and hard work of its people”. Greeting the audience in Garhwali, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Uttarakhand on the state’s Silver Jubilee. He also released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the occasion, calling the event a “celebration of the people’s faith and resilience”.

Projects worth over Rs 8,000 crore span key sectors

The Prime Minister inaugurated projects valued at more than Rs 930 crore and laid the foundation stones for those worth over Rs 7,210 crore, covering sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, technical education, urban development, energy, sports, and skill development.

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Among the inaugurated works were the Dehradun water supply coverage for 23 zones under the AMRUT scheme, an electrical substation in Pithoragarh, solar power plants across government buildings, and an AstroTurf hockey ground at Haldwani Stadium in Nainital. PM Modi also laid the foundation stones for two major hydro projects - the Song Dam Drinking Water Project, which will supply 150 million litres per day to Dehradun, and the Jamarani Dam Multipurpose Project in Nainital, which will support irrigation, drinking water, and electricity generation.

Other projects included a Women’s Sports College in Champawat, a modern dairy plant in Nainital, and several new electrical substations to improve power distribution across the hill districts.

Farmers receive direct financial support

As part of the programme, PM Modi transferred Rs 62 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 28,000 farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The Prime Minister said the direct benefit transfer ensures transparency and strengthens rural livelihoods.

He added that the government’s focus on agricultural welfare, water management, and renewable energy aims to make Uttarakhand’s economy more sustainable and self-reliant.

‘Uttarakhand has transformed in 25 years’: PM Modi

Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation in 2000, PM Modi said Uttarakhand has evolved from limited means to expanding opportunities. “When the state was formed, its budget was around Rs 4,000 crore. Today, it has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore,” he said.

He highlighted that electricity production in Uttarakhand has increased fourfold and the road network has doubled in the last 25 years. “Earlier, there was only one medical college. Today, there are 10. The number of engineering colleges has risen more than ten times,” he added.

The Prime Minister said this transformation symbolises the success of policies that include everyone, describing Uttarakhand’s development as a model of progress and balance between faith, environment, and modernity.

Emotional connect and vision for the future

PM Modi spoke about his personal association with Uttarakhand, recalling his visits during his years of spiritual travel. “The hard work, discipline and devotion of the people of the mountains have always inspired me. When I said this decade belongs to Uttarakhand, it was not a slogan - it was my belief,” he said.

He added that the state’s growing infrastructure and youth potential position it to play a leading role in achieving the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. The Prime Minister urged the people of the state to continue working together to make Uttarakhand a global centre for spiritual tourism, wellness, and green industry.

A day of celebration and reflection

The Silver Jubilee celebrations at the FRI saw a gathering of over one lakh people, with grand arrangements made by the state government. Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the Prime Minister at the event.

An exhibition showcasing the state’s 25-year journey from a newly formed hill state to a rapidly developing region was also inaugurated. The Prime Minister said the exhibition reflects Uttarakhand’s remarkable achievements in education, healthcare, industry, and tourism.

Balanced growth and challenges ahead

While the new projects promise to accelerate development, the focus will also be on ensuring sustainable growth in a state known for its fragile ecology and sensitive terrain. Experts have long pointed out that balancing progress with environmental protection remains crucial for Uttarakhand’s future. PM Modi said the state’s development model must blend modern infrastructure with its traditional respect for nature and culture. “This divine land is gaining new pace of progress,” he remarked, reaffirming the Centre’s support for Uttarakhand’s ongoing transformation.