PM Modi reviewed projects worth 16,000 crore.
New Delhi. On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 54th ‘PRAGATI’ meeting, during which he reviewed infrastructure projects worth over ₹16,000 crore across 31 states and union territories. The meeting, held at ‘Seva Teerth’ in New Delhi, focused on the progress of various initiatives, including the redevelopment of railway stations, ‘PM Ekta Malls,’ and Bulk Drug Parks. The Prime Minister directed officials to prioritize the removal of obstacles hindering development projects and to ensure that all tasks are completed within the stipulated timelines. He also emphasized enhancing self-reliance in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, transforming railway stations into modern transport hubs, and ensuring the timely delivery of the benefits of government schemes to the public.
Review of Projects Across 31 States and Union Territories
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi conducted a detailed review of projects related to the railways, ‘PM Ekta Malls,’ and Bulk Drug Parks.
These projects, which have a combined cost exceeding ₹16,000 crore, span 31 states and union territories.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the primary objective of the meeting was to identify bottlenecks in project implementation and to improve coordination between the central and state governments.
Modi instructed officials to ensure that any administrative or technical issues arising in any project are resolved in a timely manner.
He noted that merely approving schemes is not enough; it is equally essential that they are completed on time and that their benefits reach the general public.
Emphasis on Transforming Railway Stations into Modern Transport Hubs
During the meeting, the Prime Minister specifically reviewed the redevelopment work of the Ahmedabad railway station.
He issued directives to accelerate the redevelopment of major railway stations across the country.
The Prime Minister stated that modern railway stations should not be developed solely as convenient spaces for rail passengers; rather, they should be transformed into ‘multi-modal transport hubs.’
This implies ensuring that passengers have seamless access from railway stations to other modes of transport, such as the metro. This system will make it easier for passengers to transition between different modes of transport.
The Prime Minister directed the relevant ministries and state governments to improve coordination in order to remove obstacles related to the development of railway stations.
Directives to enhance self-reliance in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical industry was also a key topic of discussion at the 54th PRAGATI meeting.
The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the Bulk Drug Parks being developed in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh.
He emphasized prioritizing the domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)—the core components used in manufacturing medicines—as well as other essential raw materials.
While India possesses a large pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, it remains dependent on imports for certain critical raw materials.
Strengthening domestic production capacity could help make the supply chain more reliable and reduce reliance on imports.
The Prime Minister instructed that hurdles facing the Bulk Drug Park projects be resolved to ensure their timely completion.
‘PM Ekta Malls’ to provide a marketplace for local artisans.
The ‘PM Ekta Mall’ project was also reviewed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister stated that these ‘Ekta Malls’ should be developed into major marketplaces for local products.
The objective is to provide a better market for local products, handicrafts, and traditional items from various states across the country.
He suggested that these ‘Ekta Malls’ should be integrated with tourism activities and local businesses.
This would create more opportunities for artisans to sell their products.
Furthermore, this initiative is expected to generate new employment opportunities in rural areas, particularly in sectors such as production, packaging, storage, and transportation.
The Prime Minister directed Chief Secretaries to conduct regular reviews of these projects and ensure that construction work is completed on schedule.
Directives to review government schemes with District Magistrates every month.
Prime Minister Modi instructed the Chief Secretaries of state governments to hold monthly reviews of government schemes in coordination with the District Magistrates. The objective is to identify challenges in the implementation of schemes and ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries in a timely manner.
The Prime Minister stated that the success of government schemes should not be measured solely by the expenditure of the allocated budget.
He emphasized that the tangible impact of these schemes must be visible in the lives of the people.
The meeting also highlighted the need to improve the monitoring of schemes, enhance administrative accountability, and strengthen coordination among the relevant departments.
The Prime Minister urged officials to focus specifically on the outcomes of these schemes.
Special focus on the development of ‘aspirational’ districts and blocks
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also referred to the ‘Aspirational Districts’ and ‘Aspirational Blocks’ programmes.
He noted that synergy among various departments is essential to ensure the effective implementation of schemes in regions that are lagging in terms of development.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to increase the accountability of the local administration and ensure regular monitoring of the schemes.
He mentioned that, through the sustained efforts of both the central and state governments, approximately 250 million (25 crore) people…