PM Modi lays foundation stone of bridge to connect Okha and Bet Dwarka

He laid the foundation stone for the construction of a cable-stayed bridge between Bet Dwarka and Okha.

The project will entail a cost of Rs. 962 crore, media reported.

He then addressed public meeting in Dwarka.

Said PM Modi, "Today I am seeing a very different mood here in Dwarka. There is tremendous enthusiasm here. What we are working towards is not merely a bridge to reach Bet Dwarka, it connects us to our history and culture."

"I still recall how tough it was for people of Bet Dwarka. Lack of infrastructure meant transportation was tough, people faced difficulties if an emergency came up. We wanted to change this with a push on infrastructure," he said.

He also emphasised on the development of tourism in the area. "Development of the tourism sector cannot be in isolation. If we want to draw more tourists to Gir, we should also inspire the tourist to visit other parts like Dwarka," he said.

He said, "Building of infrastructure should enhance economic activities and add to the atmosphere of development."

The PM also did not forget to take a dig at the former Congress government and chief minister Madhav Singh Solanki. A tweet from the PMO handle quoted the PM as saying, "When Madhavsinh Solanki ji was CM, I recall front page advertisements for the CM coming to Jamnagar to inaugurate a water tank. This is how narrow their conception of development was. We have come a long way since then & are looking at more all round & extensive progress."

He said, "We want development of ports and port-led development. The blue economy should help further the progress of India."

The PM indicated that the Central government is taking steps towards the empowerment of fishermen. "We do not want our fishermen to live in poverty, we want to create more opportunities for them," he said.

Emphasising on the importance of Kandla Port of Gujarat, he said, "Kandla Port is seeing unprecedented growth. This is because we devoted resources to improve the port. New lease of life was added to Alang, steps were taken for the welfare of the labourers working there. These are steps we are taking towards development."

The PM also said that his government is concerned about marine security issues. "Marine policing is a sector we are looking at very closely. We are modernising marine security apparatus. An institute for this will be set up in this Devbhoomi of Dwarka. It will draw people and experts from all over India."

Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to speak a few words on the implementation of GST. "Diwali has come early for our citizens due to the decisions taken in the GST Council. We had said we will study all aspects relating to GST for 3 months, including the shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST council."

From Dwarka, the PM will go to Chotila in Surendranagar district,

Here he will lay the foundation stone for a greenfield airport for Rajkot and other highway projects, and dedicate  a fully automatic milk processing & packaging plant and a drinking water distribution pipeline to the nation.

Later, in Gandhinagar, PM Modi will inaugurate a new building of IIT and later address another public meeting.

"There shall be a public meeting in Chotila after which I will go to Gandhinagar, where a new building of IIT will be dedicated to the nation," the PM had tweeted prior to his journey.

To boost digital literacy in the state, Modi will launch PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, later on Saturday.

Image: PIB