Modi pits 'roar of truth' against Rahul Gandhi's 'echo of lies'; PM dedicates Rs 35,000-crore projects in Vadodara, talks of 2,800-km freight corridor & double-stack trains

Taking an indirect dig at leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's recent youth outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that while those who mislead with the 'echo of lies' (Jhooth ki Gunj) can be found at every crossroad, India's youth is driven "by the roar of truth, walks with the roar of truth, and marches for the roar of truth". He was addressing the public after dedicating to the nation development projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara.

Underscoring the 'saptadhara' (seven streams) resolution announced at the Red Fort, he emphasised on the need for rapid connectivity through the Gati Shakti initiative, marking the completion of the 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor.

"This freight corridor is remarkable for yet another reason," Modi said. "Recently, a Double Stack Container goods train was operated from JNPT Mumbai, JNPT Port to Vadodara. The goods train was run by placing one container on top of another. With this, goods equivalent to more than 250 trucks came from Mumbai to Vadodara in one go," he added.


Taking a dig at his detractors, Modi said "these disgruntled uncles (foopha ji) will shout, what will happen to the truckers? Where will trucks go? Now foopha ji has got work to do."

Talking on the shifting paradigms of the modern global economy, he said traditional degrees are no longer sufficient, prompting a comprehensive restructuring of the National Education Policy to prioritise continuous skill enhancement. He said the government will start providing free coaching for exams.

Later, inaugurating the BJP office at Navsari (a first for the PM), Modi appreciated the work by Union minister and local MP CR Paatil. He talked of Navsari's success in fighting malnutrition and the success of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Kanya Kelavani.