Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Uttarakhand’s State Foundation Day, praised the state’s growth and development, attributing the achievements to the “double engine government.” Addressing the people of Uttarakhand through a video message, he highlighted the progress made under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and outlined a vision for the state’s future growth over the next 25 years.
As Uttarakhand enters its silver jubilee year, PM Modi described this as the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s journey towards prosperity. “In the era of double engine government, a Mahayagna (grand ritual) of development is ongoing in Uttarakhand,” he said, emphasizing the synergy between the state and central governments in driving progress.
Modi’s message also coincided with the commencement of the Amrit Kaal, a period he declared to be pivotal for India’s future growth. “The resolution for a developed Uttarakhand, contributing to a developed India, will be realized in this period,” he added.
A Tribute to Uttarakhand’s Efforts
The Prime Minister acknowledged the historic struggle for a separate Uttarakhand, which was finally realized under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He expressed his happiness in witnessing the state’s ongoing success. “Uttarakhand is realizing its dreams,” Modi remarked.
He also praised the state’s diaspora, pointing out the success of the recently held Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan. Modi expressed confidence that the contributions of the state’s expatriates would continue to propel its development journey.
Record Growth and Achievements
PM Modi outlined several key achievements, stating that Uttarakhand has set impressive records of progress. “Uttarakhand secured first place in the SDG Index last year, topped the Ease of Doing Business rankings, and was named a leader in Startup rankings,” he noted. The state’s growth rate has more than doubled in the past 1.5 years, with GST collections increasing by 14 percent this year alone.
In terms of economic growth, the Prime Minister pointed out that Uttarakhand’s annual income has risen from ₹1.25 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹2.60 lakh crore today, while the state’s GDP has surged from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹3.5 lakh crore over the same period.
Improved Infrastructure and Quality of Life
PM Modi shared that the state has seen substantial improvements in infrastructure and public services. “Before 2014, less than five percent of the homes had tap water, today it has increased to about 96 percent,” he said, highlighting the success of initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission. Roads have also seen remarkable growth, with the length of PMGSY roads more than tripling from 6,000 km to 20,000 km. Under the Har Ghar Bijli and Ujjwala Gas Scheme, millions of households have gained access to electricity and cooking gas.
“These achievements are a testament to the true meaning of double engine government,” Modi stated, underscoring the central and state governments’ combined efforts to improve living standards across Uttarakhand.
The Future of Uttarakhand
Looking forward, the Prime Minister discussed several ambitious projects underway in Uttarakhand. The state has received doubled central grants, and initiatives like the AIIMS satellite center, India’s first drone application research center, and the planned smart industrial township in US Nagar are set to transform the state.
Modi highlighted the ongoing construction of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, set for completion by 2026, and the development of 11 stations across the state as part of the Amrit Station Scheme. The new Dehradun-Delhi Expressway will cut travel time between Dehradun and Delhi to just two and a half hours.
“Uttarakhand’s development story is an inspiring example of how the double engine government is working for the people’s progress,” PM Modi concluded, reiterating his optimism for the state’s bright future as it embarks on the next 25 years of growth.
