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NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
PM Modi Inaugurates Indore Metro Rail Project, Satna And Datia Airports
Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated three significant transportation projects; including the Indore Metro Rail, along with the Satna and Datia airport projects, during his visit to Bhopal. PM Modi participated in the celebrations commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the distinguished ruler of Malwa. The Indore Metro Rail project, the first of its kind in Madhya Pradesh, marks a transformative step in urban transportation. The Datia airport, for which the foundation stone was laid in 2012 with an initial investment of Rs 21.18 crore, was completed in 2015. It was upgraded into a full-fledged airport in 2023 and became ready for operations by 2024. The metro network spans 31.3 kilometres, with an initial six-kilometre stretch inaugurated by PM Modi on Saturday. The first phase includes five stations at Gandhinagar and various points along the Super Corridor. The metro's rolling stock features stainless steel coaches designed with a white and yellow aesthetic, ensuring rust resistance and durability. A total of 75 coaches are planned for Indore, with 13 three-coach trains already delivered. Each train, measuring 67 meters in length, features advanced safety systems, emergency buttons, intercoms, digital route maps, and LED TVs for passenger information and entertainment. An audio announcement system is integrated to assist visually impaired commuters. Indore's transportation evolution traces back more than a century. The Holkar rulers initiated the construction of a rail line to Khandwa in 1870, completed within five years, with operations commencing in 1876. The first long-distance train service between Indore and Bhopal started in May 1956, and today, approximately 100 trains operate daily from Indore's six platforms. The metro now joins the city's diverse transit history, which has included various forms of transportation ranging from elephants and horses to bullock carts, tongas, tempos, and bicycles. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited has introduced a third-rail system as an alternative to traditional overhead power lines. Originally limited to accommodating small planes, the Datia airport underwent a significant expansion with an additional Rs 70 crore investment, enabling ATR and 72-seater aircraft to land on its 1810-meter-long runway, spread over 118 acres. With its inauguration, direct flight services will commence between Khajuraho and Bhopal. Similarly, the Satna airport, developed with an investment of Rs 30 crore, traces its origins to an airstrip built during World War II. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted it a license in 2024 for operations involving 19-seater aircraft. Now capable of handling two aircraft at a time, it boasts a 1200-meter-long runway. PM Modi also laid the foundation for an ambitious Rs 778 crore project for the construction of ghats along the River Kshipra and transferred the first instalment for the development of 1,271 new Atal panchayat bhavans, a project totalling Rs 483 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the historical significance of the day, recalling the Holkar rulers' pioneering efforts in rail infrastructure. Over 150 years after Indore's first railway line to Khandwa was initiated at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a new Rs 7,500 crore metro rail initiative is now set to provide seamless urban mobility. PM Modi received an enthusiastic welcome in Bhopal, greeted by a vast gathering of women waving the Tricolour. Riding in an open jeep, he acknowledged the warmth of the people, accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state unit chief VD Sharma. As part of traditional hospitality, he was welcomed with a 'Sindoor' plant.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
MP's nine-month celebration of an 18th-century queen: The importance of Ahilyabai Holkar
THE 18TH-CENTURY Maratha queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar is seeing a revival in Madhya Pradesh, with the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government orchestrating one of the most comprehensive state-led cultural commemorations in recent memory, in the run-up to her 300th birth anniversary celebrations later this month. The culmination, on May 31, will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the Indore Metro Rail's first phase, along with Datia and Satna airports, as well as give an address to a 'Women Empowerment Grand Conference' in Bhopal. Over two lakh women are expected to attend, including Self Help Group (SHG) members, Ladli Behna scheme beneficiaries, and entrepreneurs. The Madhya Pradesh campaign — spanning nine months since September 2024, multiple cities, and political, academic and developmental initiatives – has elevated Ahilyabai from a historically revered figure to the centerpiece of politics in Madhya Pradesh. It helps that Ahilyabai, apart from her administrative genius, is a cultural symbol with much resonance for her contribution towards restoration of many temples. As part of the celebrations, Madhya Pradesh has held folk and dance performances; art exhibitions; theatrical dramas across cities like Maheshwar, Chitrakoot, Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Orchha on Ahilyabai; sanctioned a state-sponsored film on her life and a commemorative book; exhibitions of 234 watercolor paintings of temples she restored (including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi), and a light-and-sound show in her name. Alongside this, the Marathi Sahitya Academy is translating documents related to Ahilyabai and planning her statues along the Narmada Parikrama route. At a recent Cabinet meeting, held at Ahilyabai's Rajwada Palace in Indore, Yadav approved Rs 3,876 crore worth of development projects related to the campaign, and sanctioned a youth training programme named after her to provide interest subsidies on loans. A Women Start-Up Policy is in the works, with female artisans and entrepreneurs being prominently showcased at exhibitions on Ahilyabai. CM takes the lead Mohan Yadav has taken personal ownership of the campaign around Ahilyabai, linking her story to the development work and women's empowerment schemes of his own government. Ahilyabai's place in the Hindutva pantheon is an additional bonus for the first-time CM, who is seeking to consolidate his position in the state's politics. His selection as CM ahead of other leaders after long-time CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan was moved to the Centre as Union minister had come as a surprise. Deepak Tiwari, the former Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi University and an author on Madhya Pradesh's political history, pointed out that Ahilyabai's renovation of Shiva temples across India makes her a figure with lasting cultural resonance. While other CMs have highlighted religious and historical figures, Tiwari noted, it was the first time that events were being planned at this scale. 'This type of politics did not happen in the past. The first time sadhus entered the political scene was with Uma Bharti in 2003. But the celebration of a religious icon at this level on the government level never took place before' he said. Tiwari also pointed out that Mohan Yadav is the first Madhya Pradesh CM who is himself in-charge of Indore district. 'Indore is the commercial and financial capital of the state. He is treating Indore like he treats Ujjain (his home base).' The decision to hold the Cabinet meeting at Rajwada Palace, from Ahilyabai's seat of power, was deliberate, Tiwari said. Indore, incidentally, is the turf of BJP heavyweight and Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who was considered a probable CM face before the BJP picked Yadav. At a recent event, Mohan Yadav also linked Ahilyabai's temple-restoration legacy to resistance against the Mughals. 'The Mughals launched a campaign to destroy our devasthans. I have no hesitation saying that barring Ahilyabai Holkar, the big rulers did not pay attention to this issue,' he said. This links with the BJP narrative of praising 'homegrown' princely states for upholding India's cultural history. BJP leaders in the state counter the contention that the celebration of Ahilyabai is aimed at scoring political points. Senior BJP leader and Indore (Rural) District President Ghanshyam Naroliya said the events were just an extension of Yadav's women-centric governance. Naroliya said, 'The celebrations will continue under all BJP-ruled states. We want to take her story to pan-India level.' A senior RSS leader from Indore said, 'It is unfair to say Devi Ahilyabai is used by the BJP and RSS for political points. The Sangh is celebrating her social and religious contribution, her governance model. We want society to know about all of this. We celebrate national heroes like Dr Ambedkar, Vivekananda, and the 1857 rebellion. The Sangh commemorated all of these important historical events. Why should the whole country not know about Ahilyabai? She was not just a queen based in Indore.'
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM to inaugurate Indore metro phase 1 along with Datia & Satna airports on May 31
INDORE : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Indore Metro Rail project along with Datia and Satna airports via video conferencing during his Bhopal visit on May 31, a senior Madhya Pradesh cabinet member said on Tuesday. During his day-long visit to Bhopal, the PM will take part in a conference organised on the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary queen of the Malwa kingdom (now part of Madhya Pradesh), said Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Cabinet spokesman Kailash Vijayvargiya. "PM Modi will participate in the women empowerment programme and women's conference organised on May 31 on the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar," he told reporters after a cabinet meeting. The PM will address the event where nearly two lakh women are likely to be present, the minister informed. At the programme, Modi will also inaugurate the first phase of the Indore Metro Rail project besides Datia and Satna airports through video conferencing, said Vijayvargiya. Officials said under the 5.90-km-long first phase of the project, metro train services will be operated between Gandhi Nagar and station No. 3 of Super Corridor in Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh. The foundation stone of the first phase of the Rs 7,500.80-crore metro rail project in Indore was laid on September 14, 2019. Under the project, the city will have a metro network spread across about 31.50 km.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cabinet nod for 3k cr development projects
Indore: Indore: The state cabinet held in Indore on Tuesday approved development plans and construction projects costing Rs 3,867 crore besides clearing the Madhya Pradesh Metropolitan Area Planning and Development Act-2025. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meeting held at Darbar Hall of Rajwada Palace was presided over by chief minister Mohan Yadav and attended by all cabinet ministers except Vijay Shah (who holds portfolios for tribal affairs, public asset management, and bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation). Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, urban administration minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a gathering of two lakh women in Bhopal on May 31 during which he would also virtually inaugurate Indore Metro Rail services and new airports in Datia and Satna. Vijayvargiya said that the cabinet sanctioned construction of 26 working women's hostels at a cost of Rs 249.66 crore with a capacity of 222 beds each. These hostels will provide 5,572 beds across four industrial areas— Vikram Udyogpuri (Ujjain), Pithampur Sector-1 & 2 (Dhar), Malanpur Ghirongi (Bhind), and Mandideep (Raisen). Supported by Central govt's 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25' scheme, these facilities will offer modern amenities, parking, food courts, recreational areas, and creches, prioritising women's safety with subsidised food and minimal rent. The cabinet also granted in-principle approval for Training Programme Scheme, designed to connect state's youth with employment opportunities through skill development. Needy individuals can receive an annual interest rebate of Rs 1,000, up to a lifetime maximum of Rs 10,000 per person, on bank loan interest. This scheme is projected to cost approximately Rs 100 crore annually. The Chief Minister Urban Sanitation Mission Programme also received approval for its continuity until financial year 2028-29. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An estimated Rs 227.05 crore will be spent over the next four financial years, with Rs 167.74 crore from state funds and Rs 59.31 crore from urban local bodies. The funds will be used for purchase of desludging vehicles, sewer cleaning equipment, waste collection and transport vehicles, and providing PPE kits to sanitation workers. Vijayvargiya said that the state govt was implementing central govt's 'Rahveer Scheme' which provides a reward of Rs 25,000 (increased from previous Rs 5,000) to any citizen who takes an accident victim to hospital within crucial 'golden hour' and saves their life. Earlier in the meeting, the CM said that life of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was dedicated to society, culture, and the nation and meeting of the cabinet was organised in Indore to express gratitude for her good governance, justice, education, social and religious welfare, water conservation, and to draw inspiration from her life. He said that another cabinet meeting would be held in Pachmarhi in memory of tribal king Shri Bhabhoot Singh on June 3. Before that, an agriculture-industry conclave will be held in Narsinghpur from May 26 to 28 where vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar would be the chief guest. Yadav also said that from May 20 to 31, several grand events will be held at various locations in the state to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
