PM Modi to Launch ₹35,000 Crore Development Projects in Vadodara, Inaugurate Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gujarat and Maharashtra on September 8, 2026, where he will launch, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of major infrastructure and development projects with a combined value of more than ₹35,000 crore.
The Prime Minister will undertake a packed programme in Vadodara before travelling to Mumbai, where he will inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026, one of the major international platforms for discussions on the future of financial technology.
The Vadodara programme will feature a major milestone for India’s railway infrastructure, with the Prime Minister dedicating three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to the nation. The commissioning of these sections is set to mark the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor network across its entire length.
At around 12 noon, Prime Minister Modi will lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate various projects in Vadodara and address the gathering.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor to Become Fully Operational
One of the major highlights of the Vadodara visit will be the dedication of three important sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, covering a combined 326 route kilometres and developed at a cost of more than ₹20,700 crore.
The three sections are:
- Sanand (North)–Makarpura
- New Umbergaon–New Saphale
- New Saphale–JNPT
The commissioning of these sections will establish continuous operational connectivity across the Dedicated Freight Corridor network.
The direct rail connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is expected to significantly improve the movement of export-import cargo. It will strengthen links between major industrial centres and ports, reduce logistics costs and help decongest the heavily utilised Mumbai railway network.
The dedicated freight infrastructure is also expected to improve multimodal connectivity, reduce cargo transit times and enable more efficient movement of freight across different regions.
During the programme, the Prime Minister will also flag off freight train services from New Sanand (North), New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT in Mumbai.
New Rail Connectivity for Tribal and Remote Areas
Prime Minister Modi will also flag off a new passenger train service between Vadodara and Tanda Road. The service is expected to benefit people in Vadodara, Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur districts.
Another significant railway development will be the dedication of the Jobat–Tanda Road new rail line to the nation. The line has been developed as part of the Chhota Udepur–Dhar railway project and will connect remote and tribal areas of Alirajpur with the national railway network.
The project is expected to improve accessibility, transportation and economic connectivity for communities located in areas that have traditionally had limited rail access.
Foundation Stones for Three Major Railway Projects
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones for three railway projects covering approximately 329 kilometres, with a combined estimated cost of more than ₹9,700 crore.
The projects include:
| Railway Project | Key Objective |
|---|---|
| Vadodara–Ratlam Third and Fourth Lines | Increase rail capacity and reduce congestion |
| Miyagam Karjan–Choranda–Malsar Gauge Conversion | Strengthen regional connectivity |
| Vishwamitri–Dabhoi Doubling Project | Improve passenger and freight movement |
These projects are expected to enhance railway capacity, ease congestion on busy routes and strengthen connectivity between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The expansion of railway infrastructure will also support increased freight movement and improve operational flexibility for passenger services.
Major Highway Projects in Gujarat
Road infrastructure will also feature prominently in the Vadodara programme. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stones for three National Highway projects costing around ₹1,780 crore.
These include the six-laning of the Kamrej–Chalthan section of NH-48, additional structures including major bridges over the Tapi and Narmada rivers on the Vadodara–Surat section of NH-48, and grade-separated structures at Abhava, Mindhola and Khajod junctions on NH-53.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate six-lane flyovers at Kandari Chokdi and Luvara Patia. These projects are aimed at improving road safety, easing traffic congestion and addressing identified black spots along the Vadodara–Surat section of NH-48.
Gujarat Development Projects Worth ₹2,600 Crore
Apart from railway and highway infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi will launch and inaugurate various projects of the Government of Gujarat with an estimated value of around ₹2,600 crore.
Among the projects for which foundation stones will be laid are Phase II of the Vadodara Urban Development Authority Ring Road, a 110 MW floating solar project at Kadana Dam, and construction of a new office building for the Vadodara Municipal Corporation.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and a water-supply project covering 11 villages in eastern Vadodara, among other initiatives.
Together, the projects are expected to strengthen urban infrastructure, renewable energy capacity, housing and basic public services in Gujarat.
PM Modi to Inaugurate Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai
After his Gujarat engagements, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Mumbai. At around 5:45 PM, he will inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 and address the gathering.
The seventh edition of the Global Fintech Fest is being held in Mumbai from September 8 to 11, 2026. Since its emergence as an international thought-leadership platform, GFF has brought together policymakers, regulators, central banks, financial institutions, fintech companies, technology firms, investors, academics and other stakeholders from across the world.
The 2026 edition is being held under the theme:
“Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.”
The conference is designed to bring policy, regulation, technology, capital and industry together on a common platform.
Focus on Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum Technology
GFF 2026 will focus on how emerging technologies can move beyond experimentation and create measurable outcomes for citizens, businesses and economies.
A major area of discussion will be Agentic AI, which has the potential to automate complex financial processes and support decision-making across the financial sector. The conference will also examine tokenisation, programmable finance and quantum technologies, along with other critical and emerging technologies.
The discussions are expected to focus on building financial systems that are trusted, connected, secure and inclusive.
The event will also highlight India’s growing role in digital finance, particularly its experience in digital payments and financial inclusion. The broader objective is to explore how technological innovation can translate into practical and measurable benefits for people and enterprises worldwide.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit therefore combines two major dimensions of India’s development agenda: large-scale physical infrastructure expansion in Gujarat and technological transformation in financial services in Mumbai.
The dedication of key Western Dedicated Freight Corridor sections will mark an important milestone for India’s freight transportation network, while the Mumbai fintech gathering will place emerging technologies such as AI, tokenisation and quantum computing at the centre of discussions on the future of global finance.
