India can't afford delay in infra projects, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India can no longer afford delay in infrastructure projects.

He was speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of several major highway projects here.

"Infrastructure projects are crucial to the progress of the country and India can no longer afford delay in infrastructure projects, especially connectivity projects," the Prime Minister said, adding that projects such as roads infuse new energy in the lives of the people.

The Prime Minister recalled the Golden Quadrilateral initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said it benefited farmers by connecting them to markets.

He said Rajasthan could benefit a lot from tourism, through better infrastructure connectivity, which would bring in employment.

Prime Minister Modi also said that projects worth over 15000 crore are either being inaugurated, or initiated (foundation stone being laid) today in a single function.

The Prime Minister assured people affected by natural calamities that the Union Government stood by them at this hour of difficulty, and expressed confidence that the people would overcome the challenges and march forward with even greater vigour.

The Prime Minister spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana under which LPG connections are being given to rural households, which will especially benefit women.

Prime Minister Modi said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) had hugely benefited the nation's economy, by eliminating long waiting times at inter-state borders.

The Prime Minister later visited the Pratap Gaurav Kendra, which celebrates the life, valour and achievements of Maharana Pratap, the great King of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said he is delighted to be in the 'Veer Bhumi' of Mewar.