Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan during his maiden visit to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) highlighted the region's significant infrastructure and developmental progress achieved over the last decade. He described DNHDD as a "mini India" due to its social diversity and cultural harmony, noting that people from different parts of the country contribute to the region's growth.
The Vice-President detailed substantial infrastructure investments including over 450 projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore undertaken during the last decade. This includes approximately 800 km of roads constructed at a cost of over ₹4,000 crore, significantly improving connectivity within the Union Territory.
Healthcare transformation has been remarkable with the establishment of a medical college with 177 seats (previously nonexistent before 2019), a 450-bed NAMO Hospital in Silvassa, and a recently inaugurated 350-bed NAMO Hospital in Daman. Public health outcomes show impressive improvements with TB cases declining by 57% and malnutrition decreasing by 58% over the last three years. The UT has achieved 100% saturation of Health and Wellness Centres, 100% institutional deliveries, and complete registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Education sector development includes construction of 21 new schools at an investment of over ₹700 crore, with 16 more currently under construction. Government schools have been equipped with smart classrooms, and professional education opportunities have expanded with the establishment of institutions and campuses of NIFT, Gujarat National Law University, and other professional institutions.
Tourism has emerged as a major growth driver with tourist footfall increasing dramatically from approximately 6 lakh in 2021 to nearly 50 lakh in 2025. Initiatives driving this growth include the Daman Night Market, Ram-setu Seafront, restored heritage sites, beaches, water sports, and eco-tourism projects that showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Industrial strength is demonstrated by more than 7,500 manufacturing units operating in the UT, with the MSME sector generating over 2.8 lakh employment opportunities. Connectivity has been further enhanced with the inauguration of Namo Airport in Daman, which provides air connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The UT has also achieved 100% solarisation of government buildings with nearly 12 MW of installed capacity, demonstrating commitment to sustainable development.
The Vice-President attributed this transformative development to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sustained efforts of Administrator Praful Patel, with active participation of the people. The development model emphasizes innovative governance and people's participation, positioning DNHDD as a contributing region to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.