PM inaugurates New Delhi’s modern defence complex at Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Africa Avenue
16 Sep 2021
India has taken a big step towards the construction of a modern defence complex in the capital as part of developing the nation’s capital according to needs and aspirations of a new India, as the country celebrates the 75th year of independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Defence Offices Complexes at Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Africa Avenue in New Delhi. He also visited the Defence Office Complex at Africa Avenue and interacted with Army, Navy, Air Force and civilian officers.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the capital of any country is a symbol of the thinking, determination, strength and culture of that country. India is the mother of democracy, the capital of India should be such, in which there are citizens, people at the centre, he said, adding that modern infrastructure has a big role in the government’s focus on ease of living and ease of doing business.
He lamented the fact that for a very long time defence related work was being conducted from hutments constructed during the second World War, which were made keeping in mind horse stable and barracks needs. “This new defence office complex will strengthen the efforts of making the working of our defence forces convenient and effective”, he said.
These modern offices built at KG Marg and Africa Avenue will go a long way in effectively carrying out all the work related to the security of the nation, the prime minister said. “The complexes reflect the modern form of diversity of our culture while preserving the vitality of Delhi and environment”, he said.
“The ongoing construction work of Central Vista is going on with this thought only”, said the prime minister. Enumerating the efforts of new constructions as per the aspirations of the capital, the prime minister said that many constructions like residences for people’s representatives, efforts to preserve Baba Saheb Ambedakar’s memories, many bhawans, memorials for our martyrs are enhancing the glory of the capital today.
The prime minister also complemented those associated with the construction of the defence conclave for completion of the work in a record 12 months against the scheduled 24 months, that too facing challenges ranging from labor shortage to the lockdown forced by the Wuhan virus.
Hundreds of workers got employment in this project during the pandemic period, the prime minister said. “When policies and intentions are clear, will power is strong and efforts honest, everything is possible”, he said.
The prime minister said the defence offices complex is the manifestation of changing work culture and priorities of the government. Optimal and proper use of available land with various departments of the government is one such priority, he said. The prime minister also highlighted that in next 25 years, productivity and efficiency of the government system will be supported by such efforts. Availability of a common central secretariat, connected conference hall, easy connectivity like metro etc will help a great deal in making the capital people-friendly, he concluded.