PM Modi Flags Off New Trains and Champions Women-Led Growth at ‘Nari Shakti’ Convention

 In a powerful blend of infrastructure expansion and women-centric governance, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed a massive gathering of women in Varanasi, unveiling and inaugurating development projects worth thousands of crores, while positioning “Nari Shakti” as the driving force behind India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat.

The event, held in the spiritual heart of India, marked a significant moment where development, cultural heritage, and women’s empowerment converged, with the Prime Minister describing the gathering as a “sacred assembly” on the land of Kashi.

Mega Connectivity Boost: New Trains Link Kashi, Ayodhya, and Maharashtra

In a major push to enhance religious tourism and regional connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off two new Amrit Bharat trains:

• Kashi to Pune

• Ayodhya to Mumbai

These new routes are expected to significantly improve connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, facilitating easier access to key spiritual destinations such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Ayodhya Dham, while also boosting tourism-driven economic activity.

Women at the Core of India’s Development Model

Placing women at the centre of national progress, the Prime Minister described Nari Shakti as the strongest pillar of Viksit Bharat, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding women’s role in governance and policymaking.

He reiterated his resolve to ensure the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, calling it a historic step toward inclusive democracy.

Transformational Welfare: Data Reflects Scale of Impact

Highlighting over a decade of governance focused on women, the Prime Minister presented a sweeping overview of welfare achievements:

• 12 crore toilets constructed, improving dignity and sanitation

• 30+ crore bank accounts opened for women, driving financial inclusion

• 2.5 crore households electrified

• 12 crore homes provided with tap water connections

Flagship schemes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Matru Vandana Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat have collectively transformed access to finance, healthcare, and social security for millions of women.

In a striking example from Varanasi, he noted that 27,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts were opened within a month, demonstrating the rapid adoption of women-focused financial initiatives.

Economic Empowerment: Rise of ‘Lakhpati Didis’

The Prime Minister underscored the economic transformation underway through women-led initiatives:

• Nearly 10 crore women linked to Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Around 3 crore women have become “Lakhpati Didis”, earning sustainable incomes

• Over 1.25 lakh women in Kashi alone are part of SHG networks

Additionally, women are now leading grassroots transformations as:

• Banking Sakhis driving digital payments

• Krishi Sakhis promoting natural farming

• Insurance Sakhis expanding financial protection

• Namo Drone Didis revolutionizing agriculture with drone technology

Direct Economic Gains: ₹106 Crore Bonus to Women in Dairy Sector

In a major boost to rural livelihoods, the Prime Minister announced that lakhs of women associated with Banas Dairy received ₹106 crore as direct bonus transfers, highlighting the growing role of women in India’s cooperative and dairy economy.

Strengthening Safety and Dignity

Addressing concerns around women’s safety, the Prime Minister pointed to legal and institutional reforms, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and expanded networks of women police stations and counselling centres, which have strengthened confidence among women across Uttar Pradesh.

Major Infrastructure and Healthcare Expansion in Kashi

The Prime Minister announced multiple infrastructure and healthcare projects transforming Varanasi into a regional development hub:

• A signature bridge over the Ganga to boost connectivity in Purvanchal

• A 500-bed multi-super speciality hospital

• A 100-bed critical care block for advanced treatment facilities

He noted that Kashi has emerged as a major healthcare hub for North and Eastern India, with these new projects further strengthening medical infrastructure.

Holistic Development: From Heritage to Housing

The development push also includes:

• Ganga cleaning and ghat rejuvenation

• Storage facilities for farmers

• Old-age homes and women’s hostels

• Restoration of heritage sites like Sant Kabir Sthali and Sant Ravidas Park

These initiatives reflect a balanced approach combining urban development, cultural preservation, and social welfare.

Women in Nation-Building and Defence

The Prime Minister highlighted expanding opportunities for women across sectors, including armed forces, Sainik Schools, and defence academies, marking a shift toward gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

A Vision Rooted in “Nagarik Devo Bhava”

Reinforcing the government’s citizen-first philosophy, the Prime Minister emphasized priorities such as:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Employment

• Irrigation

• Efficient grievance redressal

He concluded by drawing a parallel between the timeless spirit of Kashi and the continuous, dynamic nature of India’s development journey, stating that the campaign for progress will remain “ever-evolving and unstoppable.”

A Defining Moment for Women-Led Development

With large-scale infrastructure investments and a sustained focus on women’s empowerment, the Varanasi event signals a policy direction where development is increasingly inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive.

As India advances toward becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister’s message was clear: empowering women is not just a social objective—it is an economic and national imperative.