'Must move forward with modern mindset': PM unveils Rs 4,700 cr projects in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jul 17 (PTI) Unveiling several projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore in Chandigarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the journey towards 'Viksit Bharat' must be accompanied by a modern mindset focused on technologies and healthcare services of the future. "We must take decisions that benefit not only the present generation but also continue to serve generations to come. We must build institutions that grow stronger with the passage of time. The BJP-led NDA government is moving ahead rapidly in this direction," he further said. Modi was addressing a gathering at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) in Chandigarh after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of various projects spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure. Modi reached PEC following his visit to Haryana's Jind, where he flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat. Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Congress MP Manish Tewari were also present at the PEC event. On the occasion, Modi also praised retired IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu who recently received the Padma Shri for his decades-long voluntary cleanliness drive. "He has earned recognition as the 'Broom Warrior.' Through his efforts, he has inspired people in Chandigarh to embrace cleanliness in a unique way. Calling the launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train "a huge beginning," Modi said for the journey of Viksit Bharat, "we must move forward with this modern mindset regarding the technology of the future, transportation of the future, and health services of the future." Among other projects, Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Equipped with 300 beds and state-of-the-art medical facilities, the Advanced Mother and Child Centre is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services and benefit thousands of families across the region, said officials. The Advanced Neurosciences Centre will provide integrated services in neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care and advanced diagnostic facilities under one roof. It will ensure timely and world-class treatment for patients suffering from complex neurological disorders while strengthening medical research, education and training in neurosciences. Modi also laid the foundation stone of a 150-bed state-of-the-art Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) at PGIMER, Chandigarh. The facility will significantly enhance emergency preparedness, intensive care services and disaster response capabilities while strengthening the overall healthcare infrastructure of the region. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several infrastructure projects pertaining to educational institutions in Chandigarh. These include the inauguration of Kurukshetra Boys Hostel & Mess at PEC, the hostel block at Government College, Sector 46, and the foundation stone of Research Scholars' Hostel, also at PEC. These facilities will strengthen academic infrastructure, improve residential facilities for students and researchers, and create a better environment for higher education. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of major road infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity in the region. He launched the six-lane Greenfield Highway from IT City to Kurali in Mohali district, an important infrastructure project for the region. The highway will reduce travel time between Mohali, Kharar and Kurali while providing improved connectivity between Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Modi also laid the foundation stone for the PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway (NH-205A), a 10.3-kilometre Greenfield corridor that will enable long-distance traffic to bypass the urban areas of Zirakpur and connect the Zirakpur Bypass directly to Aerocity, Chandigarh. PTI CHS SUN VSD AMJ AMJ