Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, scheduled for Sunday, was called off due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The roadshow, which was to be a major public event, had generated considerable anticipation, with large crowds expected to line the streets of the steel city. However, due to the continuous downpour, the Jharkhand unit of the BJP announced the cancellation on social media platform X, ensuring the public that the "Parivartan Maha Rally," which was planned for later in the day, would still take place as scheduled.
State BJP chief Babulal Marandi confirmed the decision, citing the heavy rains as the reason for the change in plans. In his post, Marandi emphasized that while the roadshow would not be held, the rally would proceed, reflecting the party's commitment to addressing public concerns despite unfavorable weather.
Although the roadshow was canceled, Prime Minister Modi continued with his planned engagements, but in a virtual format. He flagged off six Vande Bharat Express trains from Ranchi, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of India's high-speed rail network. These trains will enhance connectivity in Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, boosting economic growth and making travel more convenient for the people of these states. The introduction of these new Vande Bharat trains is part of the government's broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at modernizing the country's transport system.
In addition to flagging off the trains, PM Modi also virtually distributed housing sanction letters to 20,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This move further strengthens the government’s rural housing initiative, providing affordable housing to families in need, particularly in regions where access to proper housing has been a longstanding challenge. By addressing the needs of the rural population through such schemes, the government aims to uplift the living standards of millions of people in India's villages.
Despite the cancellation of the roadshow, PM Modi's engagements underscored his administration’s dedication to pressing forward with development projects, even in the face of obstacles like bad weather. His ability to adapt to the situation and conduct events virtually demonstrated the resilience of the government in ensuring that key programs and initiatives continue unabated.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert, predicting heavy rainfall for several eastern and central states, including Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. According to the IMD, a deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal had been moving westward and was expected to impact Jharkhand, leading to widespread rainfall. The deep depression, positioned 170 kilometers east of Jamshedpur, was expected to weaken into a depression by evening, but not before causing heavy rain across the region.
The adverse weather did not deter PM Modi's plans, as he proceeded with the virtual flag-off of the Vande Bharat trains and the distribution of PMAY-G housing letters. His three-day visit to Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gujarat, aimed at addressing various infrastructure, housing, and developmental goals, showcased the government's ongoing commitment to the people of these states.
The six new Vande Bharat trains are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming travel experiences in eastern India. Offering faster travel times, better amenities, and greater efficiency, these semi-high-speed trains are part of the government's vision to improve the country's rail infrastructure. The expansion of the Vande Bharat network reflects the government's long-term strategy of modernizing Indian Railways, enhancing connectivity between states, and facilitating economic growth through improved transport links.
Similarly, the PMAY-G scheme continues to be a cornerstone of the government’s rural development efforts. By providing housing for the underprivileged in rural areas, the scheme is expected to reduce homelessness, improve living conditions, and contribute to the overall economic empowerment of rural communities. PM Modi’s distribution of housing sanction letters during the virtual event further reaffirmed the government's commitment to this transformative initiative.
Despite the weather-related setbacks, the Prime Minister's determination to carry on with his engagements highlights the importance of these programs for the development of India's infrastructure and social welfare system. The Vande Bharat trains and PMAY-G scheme symbolize the government's vision of a more connected, prosperous, and equitable India, where progress reaches all sections of society.
Â
