Sri Vijaya Puram: Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, addressed a press gathering in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, outlining the achievements of the Modi government over the past 11 years. The event was held under the theme of “Seva, Susashan and Good Governance” and was opened by the BJP State President.
Thakur highlighted a range of developmental milestones implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with a focus on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and social welfare across the Andaman Islands as well as mainland India. The speech aimed to present a consolidated account of the government’s initiatives since 2014.
Digital and Infrastructure Push Across Andaman
In his address, Thakur reiterated the central government’s commitment to the development of remote regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Citing key infrastructure projects, he noted the completion of the 1.45-km-long Humphrey Strait Creek Bridge, officially named the “Azad Hind Fauz Setu”, along National Highway NH4, and the planned initiation of a second bridge in Baratang.
He also pointed to significant upgrades in connectivity, including the undersea internet cable project, aimed at digitally integrating the islands with mainland India. Airport expansion was another major focus, with the development of a new international terminal intended to boost both tourism and connectivity.
“These developments form part of the broader Digital India and Airport Development programmes,” he stated, describing the efforts as key to transforming the strategic archipelago into a vital node of economic and digital integration.
National Milestones and Governance Approach
Speaking beyond regional achievements, Thakur listed national initiatives that have marked the Modi administration’s approach to governance. Among the financial reforms, demonetisation in 2016 was credited for reducing black money, while digitisation drives in 2019 streamlined government benefits distribution.
Key legislative reforms were also mentioned. The abrogation of Article 370 was cited as a step that brought Jammu & Kashmir on par with other Indian states. Thakur emphasised the government’s democratic implementation of schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, which, he said, saw ₹25 crore utilised for rural development and welfare of marginalised communities.
The Gyan Dhan Yojana was highlighted for delivering financial aid directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, bypassing intermediaries and reducing fund misappropriation. Similarly, the Awaas Yojana was noted to have benefitted between 1.5 to 2.5 lakh individuals with housing support.
Infrastructure achievements included India’s advancement to second globally in road network length, behind the United States. The Minister underscored the construction of dedicated freight corridors to streamline goods transportation without affecting passenger rail schedules, especially on busy routes such as Delhi-Surat.
Thakur also detailed the expansion of India’s aviation sector, citing over 40 new airports and renovation of more than 70 others. On the maritime front, he pointed to plans for high-investment transshipment ports in Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, essential given that 70% of India’s trade is sea-based.
In a special mention for defence, Thakur praised the recent Operation Sindoor, noting it as a reflection of India’s growing defence capabilities.
Vision India: India as a Global Leader
In closing, the Minister echoed the government’s long-term vision of India as a global leader. He said infrastructure development is key to realising this goal under the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the world is one family.
Thakur concluded by stating that one of the biggest transformations under the Modi era has been the change in mindset among citizens. “Indians today feel proud of their national identity,” he noted, presenting it as a symbolic achievement of the government’s decade-long governance.
