Congress failed to develop infra at borders: Modi

New Delhi/Dausa: Accusing the Congress of underestimating the valour of the armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress governments did not carry out development work in border areas over their fear that the enemy could exploit the new roads to advance into the country. He was addressing a BJP rally in Dausa soon after inaugurating the 246 km Delhi–Dausa–Lalsot section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The PM also laid the foundation stone for 247 km of national highway projects to be developed at a cost of over Rs 5,940 crores.

At the rally, Mr Modi also accused the Congress government in poll-bound Rajasthan of lacking vision and hindering the state's development. He said the state government's plans and announcements remained just on paper.

Mr Modi, referring to the possibility of his party being in power both at the Centre and in the state, said, "Rajasthan would have progressed better if it had the 'double-engine' government of the BJP." He attacked the Congress governments saying that they did not carry out development works in border villages and areas because they were scared and said in Parliament, "What will happen if the enemy comes on the roads made by us?"

"Congress has always underestimated the valour and bravery of our soldiers. Our forces know how to stop the enemy at the border and give them a befitting reply," he said, claiming that his government has created a network of roads and rails in border areas in the last nine years.

Mr Modi noted that the law and order situation in Rajasthan under the Congress rule is deteriorating day by day and that the state needs freedom from uncertainty and a stable, growth-oriented government.

"The BJP is making Rajasthan the strongest pillar of a developed India. The BJP has to be brought to power in Rajasthan if the state's culture and pride are to be saved," he said.

Before addressing the rally, Mr Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. In all, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for four projects worth over `18,000 crores.

After inaugurating the first phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the PM said that when the government invests in highway projects, ports, railways, optical fibre and medical colleges, it gives strength to traders, small shopkeepers and industries. "Investment in infrastructure attracts more investment."

Elaborating on the benefit of investment in infrastructure, the Prime Minister said that economic activities are getting a boost. "With the construction of the Delhi– Dausa–Lalsot highway, the travel time between Delhi and Jaipur will be reduced. Along the expressway, the Grameen Haats that are being developed will help the local farmers and artisans," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will benefit Rajasthan, along with many areas of Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra. "Tourism spots like Sariska, Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore and Jaipur will draw huge benefits from the highway," he said.

Speaking about the three other projects, the Prime Minister said that one of them will give Jaipur direct connectivity with the expressway. The second project will connect the expressway with the Ambala-Kotputli corridor near Alwar. This will help traffic coming from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal and Jammu Kashmir travel to Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Lalsot Karoli road will also connect the region with the Expressway.

The Prime Minister underlined that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the western dedicated freight corridor are going to become two strong pillars of progress for Rajasthan and the country and will transform this entire region, including Rajasthan, in the times to come.

He further noted that these two projects will strengthen the Mumbai-Delhi economic corridor and the road and freight corridor will connect many regions of Rajasthan, Haryana and western India with ports. "It will create new opportunities for logistics, storage, transport and other industries as well," the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is powered by the "PM Gati Shakti Masterplan", Mr Modi informed that arrangements have been made to lay optical fiber, electricity lines and gas pipelines and the leftover land will be used for producing solar energy as well as warehousing purposes.

"These efforts will save the nation a lot of money in the future," he remarked.

Highlighting the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" for Rajasthan and the county, the Prime Minister said, "The government’s resolve is to make a competent, capable and prosperous India."