PM Modi Unveils Ambitious Plans to Make Ayodhya a Model Solar City

Gandhinagar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Ayodhya will be developed as a model solar city, where every house, office, and service will be powered by solar energy. He made this declaration at the inauguration of the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, highlighting India’s efforts to harness renewable energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revealed that Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, will be transformed into a model solar city as part of the Government of India’s broader renewable energy goals. Speaking at the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) in Gandhinagar, PM Modi emphasized the importance of making every household, office, and service in Ayodhya run on solar power, drawing inspiration from Lord Ram, who belonged to the solar dynasty or “Suryavanshi.”

“Ayodhya will be a model for solar energy adoption, with solar street lights, solar-powered intersections, solar boats, and even solar water ATMs already visible in the city,” said PM Modi. He also highlighted that the government had identified 17 other cities across India to be developed as solar cities, aiming to replicate the success of Ayodhya.

In addition to Ayodhya’s transformation, PM Modi discussed the government’s plans to help farmers adopt solar power. “Farmers are being assisted with installing solar pumps and small solar plants for irrigation,” he explained. This initiative will not only ensure more sustainable farming practices but also provide farmers with a supplementary income stream.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a three-day summit that celebrates India’s achievements in the renewable energy sector, notably crossing 200 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. PM Modi took a tour of the exhibition showcasing innovations from both public and private sector companies, highlighting India’s growing position as a leader in renewable energy technology.

Government’s Vision for a Green India

During his address, PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to building a sustainable future for India. He pointed out that India’s goal is not just short-term growth but to create a foundation for the next millennium. “Today’s India is preparing a base not only for today but for the next thousand years,” said PM Modi, stressing that India’s solar revolution will be written in golden letters in the history of the 21st century.

PM Modi also noted the growing demand for renewable energy in India and the government’s active role in meeting this demand. He outlined several policies aimed at boosting investment and growth in the green energy sector. “We are working towards 31,000 MW of hydropower with an outlay of Rs 12,000 crore and have initiated viability gap funding for offshore wind energy projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore,” he added.

Success of PM Surya Ghar Scheme

Drawing attention to the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, Modi explained how solar energy is helping families save on electricity bills. “A family that generates 100 units of electricity and sells it back to the grid can save around Rs 25,000 annually,” he said. The scheme is not only saving money but also serving as an employment generator, with 20 lakh jobs created so far and plans to train 3 lakh youth in solar energy-related skills, including 1 lakh Solar PV Technicians.

Gujarat: A Pioneer in Renewable Energy

PM Modi underscored Gujarat’s leading role in India’s renewable energy sector. He credited the state as the first in India to develop a Solar Policy and establish a ministry focused on climate matters. “Gujarat was at the forefront, setting up solar plants when the world hadn’t even considered it,” said Modi. He added that the choice of Mahatma Mandir as the venue for the event was symbolic, as Mahatma Gandhi had warned about humanity’s responsibility towards nature, a principle that resonates with the modern push for sustainable energy.

Invitation for Global Investments

In his concluding remarks, PM Modi invited global investors to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in India’s green energy sector, emphasizing the country’s commitment to “Made in India” solutions. “India is truly a guarantee of expansion and better returns,” said Modi, encouraging investment not only in energy generation but also in manufacturing and technological innovation to drive the nation’s renewable energy goals.

The event saw the participation of several key figures, including Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi. Chief ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa were also present, signifying the national importance of renewable energy in India’s development agenda.