India’s progress incomplete without infra expansion: PM

New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) India’s progress is incompetewithout rapid expansion and upgradation of basicinfrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today whileunderlining that his government’s efforts are characterised byspeed and scale to usher in "an era of historic growth". Modi, who chaired a meeting here yesterday to review theprogress in core infrastructure sectors, said it was notedthat there has been "phenomenal progress" in vital sectorssuch as renewable energy and railways. "On 22nd August 2016, I chaired a marathon meeting toreview the progress in core infrastructure sectors. I havebeen holding such meetings very often because India’s progressis incomplete without the rapid expansion and upgradation ofour basic infrastructure," he said in a statement. "The development journey of India is special. Oursustained efforts are characterised by speed and scale, whichcan usher an era of historic growth," he added. The Prime Minister underlined that the India story isalso about resilience. "When the world economy is weakeningand slowing down, India is a ray of hope," he said. Contending that doing business is easier today than itwas, Modi said, "Big level corruption and bottle necks arebecoming history." He noted that the country went through two drought yearsbut agriculture production has not decreased. "Our endeavours to give our farmers an expansive marketand more money for their produce continue," he said. "I am certain that we will continue building on thisprogress and achieve our aim of transforming India," he said.(MORE) PTI AKKAKK