PM Modi to inaugurate ₹7,500-crore semiconductor plant in Gujarat, mega infrastructure projects in Rajasthan

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a state-of-the-art semiconductor assembly and testing centre in Sanand, Gujarat, tomorrow at 4:30 PM. Developed under the India Semiconductor Mission with an investment exceeding ₹7,500 crore, the facility marks a significant milestone in India's push toward self-reliance in chip manufacturing, aimed at boosting the domestic electronics ecosystem and reducing reliance on imports.

The Sanand facility is one of four major projects in the country designated for commercial semiconductor production. Once fully operational, the centre will possess the capacity to manufacture 500 crore chips annually. This enhanced production capability is expected to meet the soaring memory and storage demands driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence. The chips produced here will serve as the core processors or "brains" for smartphones, laptops, televisions, washing machines, and automotive vehicles, while also catering to critical medical, industrial, telecommunications, 5G, and Internet of Things sectors.

Beyond economic growth, the indigenous manufacturing of these chips is set to significantly fortify national security by ensuring more secure communication networks within the defense sector. The project is also anticipated to generate thousands of employment opportunities and accelerate the overall growth of India's electronics industry.

Major boost to regional connectivity and infrastructure in Rajasthan

In addition to the semiconductor plant, Prime Minister Modi will launch a new phase of the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) regional connectivity scheme from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This ambitious initiative aims to develop 100 new small airports and 200 modern helipads across the country, with an estimated initial expenditure exceeding ₹12,000 crore. A total budget of ₹28,840 crore has been allocated for this scheme over the next ten years, which includes more than ₹10,000 crore in Viability Gap Funding support for airlines. The scheme also mandates the procurement of indigenous Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft to boost domestic aviation manufacturing.

The Prime Minister's itinerary in Rajasthan features the inauguration of several other mega infrastructure projects. Among these is the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, constructed at a cost of ₹480 crore. Spanning an area of over 23,000 square meters, the modern terminal is equipped to handle 20 lakh passengers annually. Furthermore, the Prime Minister will dedicate the nation's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Balotra. Developed jointly by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Government of Rajasthan at an estimated cost of ₹79,450 crore, the project represents a massive stride in the state's industrial capabilities.

The comprehensive development drive also includes the launch of Phase 2 of the Jaipur Metro Rail project, valued at over ₹13,000 crore, alongside crucial railway line doubling and National Highway projects in Jodhpur. These synchronised launches across Gujarat and Rajasthan highlight the government's intensified focus on high-tech manufacturing, indigenous production, and robust regional infrastructure connectivity.