PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects ₹34,200 Crore at ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ Event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth over ₹34,200 crore in Bhavnagar, Gujarat today, addressing the grand event ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’.

The Prime Minister welcomed dignitaries and citizens, acknowledging the affection received on his birthday (17th September) and highlighting that India is observing Seva Pakhwada from Vishwakarma Jayanti to Gandhi Jayanti (17th September – 2nd October). He informed about service activities like:

Blood donation camps with over 1 lakh donors.
Cleanliness drives across numerous cities with lakhs of participants.
30,000 health camps providing medical check-ups and treatments.

He expressed gratitude for the spirit of service shown nationwide.

India's ports are the backbone of our nation's rise as a global maritime powerhouse. Addressing the 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' programme in Bhavnagar. https://t.co/T7k56n99Gd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025

Remembering Legacy and National Unity

PM Modi paid tribute to Krishnakumarsinh Ji, recalling his contribution to India’s unity with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He linked this legacy to the resolve of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

Arriving in Bhavnagar during the festive season of Navratri, PM Modi noted that GST reduction has boosted market vibrancy. He called Samudra se Samriddhi a festival celebrating India’s ocean-driven opportunities.

He informed that:

Projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated to accelerate port-led development.
International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai was inaugurated to boost cruise tourism.
Development projects in Gujarat commenced alongside.

For peace, stability and prosperity in the world, India must become self-reliant. pic.twitter.com/aOvcLaxWiQ
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 20, 2025

Self-Reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat

PM Modi stressed that while India has no major enemies today, its biggest adversary is dependence on other nations.

Foreign dependence compromises national self-respect.
India spends $75 billion (₹6 lakh crore) annually on foreign ships – nearly equal to the defence budget.
Earlier governments ignored India’s strengths, leading to scams and missed opportunities.

He declared:
“If India is to become a developed nation by 2047, it must become self-reliant. Chips or ships, we must make them in India.”

Shipbuilding Sector – The Mother of All Industries

PM Modi highlighted how flawed policies destroyed India’s shipping industry.

Earlier, 40% of trade was on Indian ships, now reduced to just 5%.
Today, 95% of India’s trade relies on foreign ships.
Billions in freight payments created jobs abroad instead of in India.

He explained shipbuilding’s multiplier effect:

Impact Area	Multiplier Effect
Economic Return	Every ₹1 invested generates nearly double
Job Creation	1 shipyard job → 6–7 allied jobs
MSME Growth	Boosts steel, textiles, machinery, IT, paints, electronics

More than ₹70,000 crore will be invested in upcoming shipbuilding schemes.

Chips or ships, we must make them in India. pic.twitter.com/pRwQvoqW4P
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 20, 2025

Key Reforms Announced

Large ships granted infrastructure status → easier bank loans, lower interest rates, infrastructure financing.
One Nation, One Document & One Nation, One Port → simplified trade and shipping.
Five new maritime laws → replacing colonial-era frameworks.
INS Vikrant & other Navy ships built in India → proof of domestic strength.

Heritage, Culture & Tourism

A world-class maritime museum at Lothal will showcase India’s ancient maritime glory.
Gujarat, handling 40% of India’s cargo, will soon connect to the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
Alang Ship Breaking Yard continues to provide jobs and economic strength.

Future Goals

Triple India’s share in global sea trade by 2047.
Port-led development with large-scale ports, faster turnaround times, and deep-water container hubs.
Seafarers increased from 1.25 lakh to 3 lakh, making India one of the top 3 providers globally.
Vadhavan Port (₹75,000 crore) to become one of the world’s top 10 ports.

FAQs

Q1: What is the value of projects inaugurated in Bhavnagar?
Over ₹34,200 crore worth of development projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid.

Q2: Why is the event called ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’?
It signifies India’s vision to harness the ocean as a gateway of prosperity through port-led development, shipbuilding, and trade expansion.

Q3: What major reforms were announced for shipping?

Large ships now have infrastructure status.
Simplification under One Nation, One Port.
New maritime laws replacing outdated colonial acts.

Q4: How much does India spend on foreign shipping services annually?
India pays about $75 billion (₹6 lakh crore) every year to foreign companies.

Q5: What upcoming maritime projects were highlighted?

Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra (₹75,000 crore).
International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai.
Maritime Museum at Lothal.

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PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects ₹34,200 Crore at ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ Event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat