NEW DELHI, MAY 28 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on state governments to resolve interstate water disputes through mutual cooperation and advanced monitoring, pointing to the Ken-Betwa river inter-linking project as a benchmark for future initiatives.
Chairing the 51st session of the PRAGATI governance platform, Modi reviewed seven critical infrastructure ventures spanning the railway, power, and road sectors across nine states. He stated that administrative delays in public works directly burden national resources and delay public access to essential facilities.
“The works covered sectors like railways, power and road connectivity,” Modi stated on Thursday through social media, noting that the combined value of the reviewed projects stood at approximately 30,000 crore rupees. “Aspects relating to ports, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and other social sector schemes were also discussed.”
The Prime Minister stated that the Ken-Betwa initiative demonstrates how technology-based monitoring and timely clearances can settle long-standing water issues. He noted that states should actively seek similar opportunities for groundwater recharge, river-linking, and integrated irrigation to secure long-term water supply.
Turning to renewable energy, Modi stated that urban centers and public institutions must accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems in mission mode. He noted that utilizing existing infrastructure, such as installing solar panels over canal networks, represents an efficient way to generate clean electricity while simultaneously reducing water evaporation losses.
The review also covered major logistical frameworks, including the Vadhavan Port project. Modi stated that the site must be developed as a multi-modal gateway that integrates coastal shipping, high-speed rail, and dedicated freight corridors into a unified logistics network.
