As the curtain falls on 2024, I take pride in the extraordinary milestones achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year stands as a testament to the Modi government’s resolve to forge a resilient and forward-looking Bharat. From groundbreaking advancements in infrastructure to visionary global initiatives, these efforts resonate deeply with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Health care witnessed transformative advancements under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). By December 2024, more than eight crore hospital admissions have been authorised, amounting to more than Rs1.16 lakh crore in financial support. On October 29, Prime Minister Modi extended the scheme to all senior citizens above the age of 70, benefiting over six crore senior citizens. In a short span of two months, 25 lakh senior citizens have already registered and 22,000 have already received treatments worth more than Rs40 crore.
The transport infrastructure achieved unprecedented milestones in 2024. The introduction of 62 new Vande Bharat trains during the year, bringing the total to 136, marked a new era in rail travel. On the roads, the National Highway network expanded beyond 1.5 lakh kilometres, with an impressive construction rate of over 34 kilometres per day. In aviation, we reached new heights. The total number of operational airports increased to 157, reflecting robust expansion in air connectivity. On November 17, the aviation sector recorded a historic milestone, with 5,05,412 domestic passengers travelling in a single day.
Imaging: Deni Lal
In 2024, Bharat’s renewable energy sector achieved a significant milestone with an installed capacity of 203 GW, reflecting a robust growth of 13.5 per cent over the previous year. February marked the launch of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana by the honourable prime minister. It is an ambitious initiative aimed at delivering free electricity to one crore households through the installation of rooftop solar panels. Within just nine months of its launch, more than 6.3 lakh installations have already been completed.
For the defence manufacturing sector, too, 2024 was a remarkable year. The total defence production soared to an all-time high of Rs1.27 lakh crore, marking an increase of more than 16 per cent from the previous year. The defence exports also reached a record of Rs21,083 crore, a significant rise of more than 32 per cent. These accomplishments showcase our growing power in indigenous defence manufacturing, keeping in tune with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
This year Bharat also achieved a significant diplomatic victory by successfully resolving the longstanding military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. On October 21, both nations reached an agreement to disengage troops from Depsang and Demchok areas. Bharat reaffirmed her sovereignty without making any concessions, thereby reinforcing her image as a responsible regional power capable of balancing assertive defence with effective diplomacy.
Reflecting on these achievements invokes a deep sense of hope and responsibility. These milestones are more than indicators of progress. They epitomise the resilience, inclusivity and unyielding ambition that define the essence of Bharat. As we step into 2025, these accomplishments provide a solid foundation for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Bansuri Swaraj is the Lok Sabha member from New Delhi.