PM Modi Highlights Poverty Reduction and Urban Transport Growth in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed significant progress in India's socio-economic landscape during a recent event held via video conference. Citing a World Bank report, he revealed that approximately 50 crore people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in the last 10 to 12 years, a milestone that marks a clear shift from previous decades when poverty alleviation was often limited to rhetoric.

Modi emphasized the government's focus on transformative development, particularly in urban transport infrastructure. He inaugurated Pune Metro Line 3, known as the Pink Line, which spans 23 kilometers and connects the Hinjewadi IT hub with the District Court Metro station. This project, completed at a cost exceeding Rs 8,300 crore, is expected to enhance daily commutes for thousands of IT professionals, alleviate traffic congestion, and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Before 2014, India had an operational metro network covering just 248 kilometers. Under Modi's administration, this network has expanded to 1,200 kilometers, reflecting a substantial investment in urban infrastructure aimed at boosting economic productivity and improving citizens' quality of life. The Prime Minister highlighted that India now ranks among the top three countries worldwide in terms of metro network size.

In addition to inaugurating the Pink Line, Modi laid the foundation stones for four new metro corridors under Phase-II of the Pune Metro project, with an estimated cost of around Rs 21,800 crore. Phase-II will include Lines 2A, 2B, 4, and 4A, designed to link key residential, commercial, and IT areas of Pune. This phase alone is projected to cost about Rs 13,500 crore.

Modi stated that when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government took office in 2014, it aimed to improve living standards and transportation ease for the urban middle class. The expansion of metro services and urban infrastructure is a key part of this vision, contributing to enhanced convenience and economic opportunities.

Turning to the agricultural sector, Modi addressed the drought situation in Maharashtra, assuring farmers of full support from the Union government. He acknowledged the state government's water conservation efforts but recognized the ongoing challenges caused by natural calamities. Modi cited the PM-KISAN scheme as a crucial support mechanism and urged citizens to remember drought-affected families during the festive Diwali season, emphasizing social responsibility towards vulnerable rural communities.

On the topic of poverty, the Prime Minister reiterated that India's approach focuses on empowering individuals rather than just providing aid. He connected economic growth with poverty reduction, noting that investments in infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, electricity, drinking water, and gas pipelines have improved livelihoods and created jobs. Modi also highlighted achievements in housing, sanitation, and energy access that have enhanced confidence and opened new income possibilities for disadvantaged populations.

Specifically referencing Maharashtra, Modi pointed out that the state's operational metro network has grown from only 11 kilometers in 2014 to nearly 200 kilometers today, with over 680 kilometers of new metro lines under construction. He stressed the importance of developing smaller cities as growth centers, not just large urban hubs, to support India's broader economic development.

The Pune Metro project stands out as a public-private partnership example, demonstrating effective collaboration between government and private entities to accelerate infrastructure development. Modi urged local authorities and private stakeholders to maintain this momentum and work collectively to transform urban spaces and improve citizens' quality of life.

In summing up the government's achievements, Modi said that the fight against poverty is no longer limited to slogans but is reflected in real progress on the ground. He described his 25 years in public service as driven by a commitment to empower people, stating, "Power to empower, this is good governance." The expansion of metro networks and urban infrastructure, he noted, not only saves commuting time but also boosts productivity, which benefits the economy and supports both the poor and the middle class.