During his visit to Bhuj, PM Modi highlighted Kutch’s growing tourism potential and praised its traditional crafts for gaining global recognition. He also commended improvements in rural employment driven by better irrigation and the expansion of local industries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore during his visit to Bhuj. Reflecting on Kutch’s challenging past, he praised the transformative impact of the Narmada waters, which turned once barren land into a thriving agricultural hub. Today, Kutch exports a variety of crops including mangoes, dates, pomegranates, cumin, and dragon fruit to global markets.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated key initiatives including a green hydrogen plant and large-scale renewable energy projects such as the Khavda solar complex. He emphasized that these developments are crucial for advancing India’s green energy ambitions and bolstering the blue economy. Modi highlighted Kutch’s potential to emerge as one of the world’s largest green energy hubs, powered by fully indigenous green hydrogen technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore during his visit to Bhuj, marking a significant milestone in the region’s growth story.

Addressing the gathering, Modi recalled the hardships faced by the people of Kutch in earlier years, emphasizing how the arrival of Narmada waters transformed the once barren land into a thriving agricultural hub. Today, Kutch exports a variety of high-value crops including mangoes, dates, pomegranates, cumin, and dragon fruit to markets worldwide.

During the visit, the Prime Minister launched several landmark initiatives, including a green hydrogen plant and major renewable energy projects like the Khavda solar complex. Modi described these as crucial steps towards advancing India’s green energy ambitions and strengthening the blue economy. He highlighted Kutch’s potential to become one of the world’s largest green energy hubs, with fully indigenous green hydrogen technology.

Underlining Kutch’s strategic role in India’s maritime trade, Modi noted that nearly one-third of the country’s sea trade passes through its ports. Expansion projects at Kandla and Mundra ports are underway, complemented by new infrastructure such as a modern jetty and cargo storage facility to improve port efficiency. The Prime Minister also pointed to a dedicated budget allocation aimed at boosting port-led development and shipbuilding, which is expected to generate employment opportunities, especially for youth.

Modi praised the rapid growth of local industries including textiles, ceramics, salt production, and food processing. He also highlighted the global recognition earned by Kutch’s traditional handicrafts—embroidery, bandhani, and Ajrakh printing—all recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These recognitions, he said, will empower tribal artisans and preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Recalling earlier struggles with declining groundwater levels, the Prime Minister underscored the impact of the Kevadiya to Modkuba canal project, which has revolutionized irrigation in the region. This has enabled farmers to cultivate high-value crops, reducing migration and boosting rural employment. “Earlier, youth had to leave Kutch in search of jobs. Today, they are building their futures right here,” Modi remarked.

Recognizing Kutch’s growing tourism potential, Modi pointed to the global fame of the Rann Utsav and the internationally recognized Dhordo village. He lauded UNESCO’s appreciation of the Smriti Van Earthquake Memorial and proposed organizing a beach festival in Mandvi to attract more visitors. The upcoming Namo Bharat Rapid Rail corridor between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, he said, will further enhance tourism and regional connectivity.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Kutch for their resilience and remarkable journey of development. He extended warm wishes on the occasion of Ashadhi Beej, a festival celebrated with great reverence in Kutch, and said the region’s transformation from devastation to development serves as an inspiring example for the entire nation.