MUMBAI/ THANE, 5th OCTOBER, 2024 (GPN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the first Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Mumbai Metro Line 3, the first phase of Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line’ Area connecting JVLR to BKC’, A project costing around 14,120 crore. It will have a total of 10 stations (9 underground and 1 ground level station).

Launching the project PM took a train ride on the newly inaugurated Metro Line 3, which runs from BKC to Aarey in Mumbai. During the ride to Santacruz station and back, PM Modi interacted with students, beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, and labourers involved in construction of the underground line.

To improve the commuter experience, he also launched the MetroConnect3 app which is designed to enhance the travel experience with latest features. and unveiled a coffee table book showcasing images from the metro journey and the development of the underground metro. He was accompanied by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishanan, Union minister Manohar Lal, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

This marks Maharashtra’s first underground metro project. He also launched over 7,500 projects worth Rs. 1,920 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in Thane, Mumbai. The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project, the Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension, and the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) projects were also inaugurated, among others.

Modi also criticised the Congress government for backing urban-Naxal groups. He added that the Congress government has only one aim: to create divisions among people. Launching a blistering attack on the Congress in poll-bound Maharashtra, Prime Minister NarendraModi on Saturday alleged that the party wants to push the youth into drugs. He said, “the main accused in the drug
racket busted after a massive recovery worth crores in Delhi, is a Congress leader.Drugs worth thousands of crores have been recovered in Delhi. The main accused in this
drug racket is a Congress leader. Congress wants to push the youth towards drugs and use that money to contest and win elections.” he said, this addressing a public rally in Washim in Vidarbha region.

In Washim, tried my hand at the Nangara, which has a very special place in the great Banjara culture. Our Government will make every possible effort to make this culture even more popular in the times to come. pic.twitter.com/snsZXobZLT

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2024

PM Modi on Saturday offered prayers at Pohara Devi temple in Washim district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and played the tradional ‘Nagara’ tribal instrument in the honour, The temple is the important pilgrimage centre of Banjara (Nomadic tribe).

The PM focused on farmers, backward communities, and Adivadis, and said that the BJP/NDA government has always worked to make farmers self-reliant.

“Congress had kept Banjaras (a nomadic tribe) away from the mainstream and avenues of development. Congress has foreign mindset to exploit the backwardness and poverty of Adivasis, Dalits and OBCs to its political advantage, A weaker nation and poverty suits Congress politics,” Modi alleged.

He blamed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime for causing delays in the metro project, increasing its cost by 214,000 crore.

Along with inaugurating multiple projects in Thane, PM Modi also launched projects in Maharashtra’s Washim district earlier today. He emphasised the important role the Banjara community has played in nation-building.

Furthering his attack, Modi claimed that the Congress is being ruled by a gang of “urban Naxals”, and asked people
to unite to defeat the “dangerous agenda” of the party. “They (Congress) think that if we all unite, then their agenda to divide the country will fail,” he said. “Everyone can see how closely Congress stands with people who don’t harbour good intentions for India.”He said the thinking of the Congress has been foreign from the very beginning.

“Like the British rule, this Congress family also does not consider Dalits, backward and tribals as their equals. They feel that India should be ruled by only one family. That is why they have always maintained a derogatory attitude towards the Banjara community,” he added while Inaugurating the Banjara Virasat Museum in Washim.

The Prime Minister launched several initiatives related to the agricultural and animal husbandry sector, worth around Rs 23,300 crore in Washim. During the rally, he also spoke about the Mahayuti government’s ‘Ladki Behan
Yojana’ as well as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.“… 18th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has been released today. 9.5 crore (farmers) have received Rs 20,000
crore today… I also had the honour of awarding the beneficiaries of the Ladki Behan Yojana…” he added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed PM
Modi’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the recognition of Marathi as a classical language. He characterized Modi as a relentless leader of development, highlighting the various projects that are set to transform the state. Shinde assured attendees that the upcoming projects would indeed see timely completion, thanks to Modi’s leadership.

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his appreciation, noting that the inauguration of Metro Line 3 during the auspicious Navaratri festival symbolizes a significant victory over the obstacles placed by the previous government. He projected that the new metro line would serve around 1.7 million daily commuters, addressing the urgent need for enhanced public transportation in Mumbai.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed Banjara Heritage Museum will be a glorious symbol of culture, tradition, heritage, identity, history of Banjara community. In the form of this museum, a magnificent structure has become available here. I believe that through the museum, the culture and traditions of the nature-loving wanderers Banjara community will be known to all. Mr. Pawar said that we will not let the funds fell short for the development of Pohradevi pilgrimage site.

The Prime Minister received a warm welcome, including a replica of the Shiv Ling from the Kaupineshwar temple and
a photo frame of the Goddess of Navratri started by Anand Dighe. PM Modi was also presented with a Paithani Pheta and a shawl, symbolizing the rich cultural traditions of Maharashtra.

In conclusion, Modi reiterated his commitment to the people of Maharashtra, emphasizing that the future holds great promise under the Mahayuti government. He called on all citizens to unite for development and prosperity, ensuring that the dreams of a developed India become
a reality.

FOR ALL PHOTO’S OF THE EVENT VISIT: HERE