Mangaluru: Double-engine govt has fulfilled people's aspirations, says PM Narendra Modi

MANGALURU: Hours after urging Kerala to have a double-engine development model, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he is happy that the needs and aspirations of the people of Karnataka have been fulfilled through the double-engine governments at the Centre and the state.
After flagging off and laying the foundation stone for projects in New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd worth Rs 3,800 crore here, Modi said that the government had been strengthening port-related infrastructure in a big way, given the importance of ports.
"The capacity of Indian ports is now equal to the capacities created from Independence till 2014. In the past eight years, nearly 150 new projects have been identified and developed for port connectivity across the country. The port infrastructure has almost doubled now," Modi said, emphasising that double-engine governments and infrastructure growth are key for the development of a modern India.
The PM emphasised that India is moving forward with the mindset of "green growth" and "green jobs", while adding that focused utilisation of natural gas imported through ports would help in green development.
'Multi-cr projects will boost local economy'
Modi said that highway projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore were in the pipeline in the state. He added that projects worth Rs 70,000 crore were completed in eight years. In the railway sector, compared to 2014, the budget for Karnataka has seen a four-fold rise, while railway electrification is being implemented in a speedy manner.
"Karnataka has had a major share in the progress made in the infrastructure sector in the past eight years. Sagar Mala Yojana, development of national highways, electrification of railway tracks and an increase in the number of cities with Metro trains have resulted in a four-fold development. "Through infrastructure development, we can create new jobs and create new opportunities," he said.
Modi said that under Jal Jeevan Mission, drinking water has been directly supplied to 30 lakh households in the state. Kisan credit cards have been given to fishermen in Karnataka. "We are also working on providing better boats and technology to fishermen to increase their incomes," he added.
Under Ayushman Bharat, four crore poor people in the nation have received free treatment. Through this, poor families have saved nearly Rs 50,000 crore towards medical expenses. Medical services worth Rs 4,000 crore have been provided free to 30 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme in Karnataka.
Modi said the projects worth Rs 3,800 crore in Mangaluru will help the country's economy and create more employment opportunities locally. Local farmers and fishermen will find it easier to export their produce under the 'One District, One Product' scheme.