Modi hits out at critics as he opens freight corridor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, using the event to criticize the Opposition and defend his administration's infrastructure record. He dismissed political campaigns against his government as 'echoes of lies' and mocked critics for manufacturing grievances.
Why it matters
The project represents a major infrastructure milestone for India, while the rhetoric highlights the intensifying political polarization ahead of future electoral cycles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) took a dig at the Opposition over the newly inaugurated dedicated freight corridor, saying critics would still complain like a “naraz fufa” (grumpy uncle) and manufacture grievances, while also dismissing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against the government as “ jhooth ki goonj ” (echo of lies).
Speaking at the inauguration of three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai with Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, and marking the project’s completion, Mr. Modi praised his administration’s pace of execution and called the former Congress-led UPA regime’s working speed sluggish.
“After 2014, with your blessings, when I reached Delhi, and as soon as we arrived there, we began accelerating this project. Work on the dedicated freight corridor has been completed today,” he said.
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