PM Modi is architect of new and modern India, says Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hailed prime minister Narendra Modi as an "architect of a new and modern India", saying that his vision of ‘Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) is earning global admiration for combining cutting-edge infrastructure with welfare delivery.Addressing the inauguration function of the Delhi-Meerut NaMo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro, Yogi said that under the PM's leadership, development projects are reaching the poor, farmers, women and youth without discrimination.Modi dedicated development projects worth Rs 12,930 crore to the nation from Meerut. The projects included the 5km Namo Bharat stretch from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21km section from Meerut South to Modipuram, completing the entire Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. The 21km Meerut Metro stretch was also launched."The launch of Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Meerut Metro ahead of Holi symbolises the strengthening of the foundation of a developed India. Earlier, travelling between Meerut and Delhi took 4-5 hours due to congestion, but improved infrastructure, including 12-lane expressways, reduced travel time to 45-50 minutes. The new rapid rail and metro services will enhance connectivity," he said.Referring to the foundation laying for semiconductor plant in Gautam Budh Nagar by the PM, Yogi said that India was preparing itself for future technological challenges.He also referred to India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and said that global leaders praised Modi's vision and its effective implementation.Yogi said that French President Emmanuel Macron lauded India's digital transformation, particularly the creation of digital identity for 1.4 billion people and the expansion of health coverage to 500 million beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat. "Such remarks reflected the PM's foresight in ensuring welfare schemes reach the most deprived sections," he said.Yogi remarked that PM Modi's governance model laid emphasis on monitoring infrastructure projects. He noted that the PM recently chaired the 50th review meeting under the PRAGATI mechanism, adding that such vision was missing before 2014."Projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore, which were pending for decades, got implemented over the past decade due to proactive review and coordination," the CM said.Yogi also highlighted the rapid expansion of Namo Bharat services, metro networks, Vande Bharat trains, waterways, expressways and dedicated freight corridors, noting that these initiatives improved ease of living.Yogi also invited the PM to inaugurate the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, UP's first sports university, which is nearing completion.He requested him to inaugurate the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar and lay the foundation stone for the newly approved Noida Metro route, expressing hope that the project would be completed within three years.Highlighting Meerut's historical significance, Yogi described the city as a cradle of India's First War of Independence. He remembered revolutionaries like Dhan Singh Gurjar, Rao Kadam Singh, Shahmal and Matadeen Valmiki for their contribution to the freedom struggle.