Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects in Surat, Gujarat on World Environment Day, emphasizing the city's transformation from a plague-affected area to one of India's cleanest cities. Key projects launched include the Tapi Barrage Project to ensure drinking water security for Surat for decades to come, a modern ESIC hospital for workers, and a major section of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway that will improve connectivity between two major industrial and trade centers.
The PM highlighted Gujarat's significant contribution to India's renewable energy capacity, noting that the state alone produces 50 GW out of the country's total 250 GW renewable capacity, representing one-fifth of India's green energy production. He specifically mentioned Surat's circular water economy where treated wastewater is supplied to industries, generating revenue while managing water resources.
Surat is transitioning to full electric mobility with plans for all buses to be electric, complemented by ongoing expansion of the Surat Metro. The Hazira industrial area was highlighted as an emerging hub for green steel production using green energy. The Dahod-Bodeli-Vapi corridor project will provide four-lane connectivity to tribal areas of Narmada and Tapi districts, connecting them to industrial belts and boosting tourism access to Statue of Unity and Saputara.
The speech emphasized India's focus on self-reliance in energy, noting investments in solar energy, ethanol blending, railway electrification, nuclear energy, electricity transmission modernization, gas pipeline expansion, and port capacity enhancement. The PM contrasted current energy security efforts with global energy crises affecting petrol prices and gas supply chains.