Foundation stone laid for ₹1,800-crore Brahma–BEML Rail Manufacturing Hub in Madhya Pradesh
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the ceremony.
Umaria (MP), August 10: In a significant push towards self-reliance in manufacturing, the foundation stone for the ₹1,800-crore Brahma–BEML Rail Manufacturing Hub was laid on Sunday in Umaria village of Obedullaganj, Bhojpur Assembly, within the Vidisha Parliamentary Constituency of Madhya Pradesh.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the ceremony, while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined virtually. The facility will have world-class infrastructure for the design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of trains, including Vande Bharat and metro coaches, as well as defence products.
Call to embrace Swadeshi
Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh Chouhan administered a pledge to adopt Swadeshi products in daily life.
“From now on, whether it’s food, clothing, oil, shampoo, or cosmetics — whatever we buy for our homes should be made in India. If 1.44 billion Indians start adopting Swadeshi, our economy will grow stronger. This is what it means to live for the nation,” he said.
Chouhan echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, urging citizens to make India the world’s third-largest economy through collective commitment to indigenous goods. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is making its voice heard strongly across the world. Now is the time for all of us to adopt Swadeshi together,” he added.
Farmers’ interests ‘non-negotiable’
Reassuring the farming community, Chouhan said the government will not sign any international agreement that harms farmers, fishermen, or livestock rearers.
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that even if a personal price has to be paid, the interests of our farmers will be safeguarded. Agreements with major countries will only be in the national interest,” he said.
Boost to regional economy
Highlighting the region’s industrial potential, Chouhan noted that the Mandideep industrial area already hosts 752 operational units with exports worth about ₹20,000 crore. The new hub is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs for local youth and spur growth in the MSME sector.
“Since childhood, I have undertaken foot marches and bicycle tours in this area. Today’s gift will ensure the region progresses by leaps and bounds,” he remarked, calling the project a convergence of national interest, Swadeshi promotion, and youth empowerment.
