Bhavnagar, Gujarat: Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw led a dynamic ‘Viksit Bharat Samvad’ session with traders, merchants, industrialists, and prominent citizens of Bhavnagar at Iskcon Fern, reinforcing the government’s mission of inclusive development and India’s ascent as a global economic leader. The interactive session was also graced by Union Minister Dr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya and Minister of State Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, emphasizing a multi-stakeholder approach to regional and national growth.
India’s Economic Surge and Indigenous Excellence Highlighted
In his keynote address, Shri Vaishnaw lauded India’s resilient and rapidly growing economy. Despite a global slowdown post-COVID-19, India’s GDP growth remains consistently upward, culminating in an economy now valued at ₹331 lakh crore as of March 31, 2025. He proudly declared that India has emerged as the fourth-largest economy globally, attributing this feat to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister spotlighted India’s technological strides, particularly in indigenous manufacturing, citing the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of national pride. “Vande Bharat is a fully indigenously manufactured train, equipped with world-class modern facilities, and it reflects India’s capacity to lead on the global innovation stage,” he emphasized.
Bhavnagar’s Developmental Demands Addressed
The session also served as a platform for local stakeholders to voice their concerns and aspirations. Addressing a key local concern regarding FTR (Freight Train Rake) availability, the Minister assured that no such issues will hinder operations in the future.
In a proactive move, Shri Vaishnaw announced the development of a container port in Bhavnagar, further cementing the district’s position as a logistics and industrial hub. Responding to the demand for an IT park, he directly contacted STPI officials and took a positive stance toward setting up a Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Bhavnagar, demonstrating on-the-spot governance.
India’s Electronics and Semiconductor Boom Recognized
Reflecting on India’s rise in electronics and digital manufacturing, the Minister pointed out that while India once had minimal presence in this domain, it now boasts a $150 billion electronics manufacturing industry. Moreover, the country is making strategic advancements in the semiconductor sector, a move seen as vital for global technological leadership in the years to come.
Collaborative Spirit of the Viksit Bharat Mission
Union Minister Dr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya appreciated Shri Vaishnaw’s deep-rooted connection with Bhavnagar and praised the government’s commitment to transforming the city. He emphasized that Viksit Bharat Samvad aims to bridge communication between the Centre and citizens, ensuring that development policies are transparent, people-oriented, and regionally customized.
Minister of State Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya thanked the Railway Minister for responding swiftly to regional demands, noting that Bhavnagar has seen a marked improvement in railway infrastructure and services under his tenure.
Event Participation and Community Recognition
The event began with a welcome address by MLA Shri Jitubhai Vaghani and concluded with a ceremonial honor extended to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw by local business leaders, industrialists, and associations. This reflected the community’s acknowledgment of his contributions and continued engagement with Bhavnagar’s development.
Other prominent attendees included:
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MLAs: Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Sejalben Pandya, Gautambhai Chauhan
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Mayor: Bharatbhai Barad
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District Officials: Dr. Manish Kumar Bansal (Collector), N.K. Meena (Commissioner), Hanul Chaudhary (District Development Officer), Harshad Patel (SP)
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Citizens: A large number of industrialists, professionals, and local residents
Their presence underscored the inclusive and participative nature of the Viksit Bharat Samvad platform.
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for a Developed India
The Bhavnagar edition of Viksit Bharat Samvad exemplified the Modi government’s commitment to building a Developed India through economic empowerment, regional development, and citizen engagement. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit and immediate responsiveness to infrastructure and industrial demands showcased an action-oriented governance model. As India forges ahead on its growth trajectory, such dialogues are vital in shaping a future that is inclusive, innovative, and indigenously driven.
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