Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu on June 16, 2026, to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for 56 development projects worth ₹2,970 crore. These initiatives, spanning healthcare, air connectivity, and tourism, are aimed at transforming the coastal enclave into a world-class economic hub. The centerpiece of this developmental push includes the new terminal building of NAMO Airport and the multi-specialty NAMO Hospital, which were developed at a combined cost of ₹1,340 crore.
A New Chapter in Development: 56 Transformative Projects
The development package, totaling ₹2,970 crore, is part of the central government’s broader vision to modernize India’s Union Territories. During the public address at the Swami Vivekananda Sports Ground, the Prime Minister highlighted the region’s unique cultural and economic diversity, describing it as a Mini India. The 56 projects cover a wide spectrum of sectors, ranging from advanced urban infrastructure and road widening to the expansion of industrial estates. These initiatives are designed to foster inclusive growth, ensuring that even the most remote parts of the Union Territory benefit from modern amenities and economic opportunities.
This visit marks the Prime Minister’s eighth trip to the region in the last decade, reflecting a sustained focus on the development of smaller territories. The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH DD) was formally created on January 26, 2020, through the merger of two separate territories. This administrative consolidation was aimed at improving governance and reducing bureaucratic duplication. With Daman as its capital, the Union Territory has since emerged as a major manufacturing and tourism destination on India’s western coast.
Strengthening Air Connectivity: The NAMO Airport Terminal
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the new terminal building at NAMO Airport in Daman. Developed at a cost of approximately ₹97 crore, this project transforms the existing military airbase into a fully functional civilian domestic hub. The terminal is designed to handle 180 passengers at a time and features 12 check-in counters and modern baggage handling systems. This expansion is critical for improving the region’s accessibility, providing direct flights to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Initially optimized for regional turboprop aircraft like the ATR-72, the airport is slated for further expansion. Plans are already in motion to extend the runway from 1,801 meters to 2,400 meters, which will eventually allow for the operation of larger commercial jets such as the Airbus A320. This improved connectivity is expected to significantly boost the local tourism industry, making the scenic beaches of Daman and Diu more accessible to travelers from across the country.
Specialized Healthcare: The NAMO Hospital in Daman
In a major step toward healthcare self-reliance, the Prime Minister dedicated the NAMO Hospital in Daman to the nation. This 300-bed multi-specialty facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical infrastructure designed to handle over 1,500 outpatient department (OPD) patients daily. The hospital aims to provide high-quality tertiary care locally, significantly reducing the dependence of the Union Territory’s residents on private medical facilities in neighboring cities like Surat or Mumbai.
It is important to distinguish this new facility from the NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute located in Silvassa, which was inaugurated in 2023. While the Silvassa institute serves as the region’s primary medical college and training ground for future doctors, the NAMO Hospital in Daman is a dedicated treatment-focused hub. Together, these institutions form a comprehensive healthcare network that addresses both medical education and specialized patient care across the merged districts.
Modern Infrastructure: Bridges, Education, and Tourism
Beyond healthcare and aviation, the development package includes several foundation stones for projects aimed at enhancing the region’s long-term infrastructure. These include the Iconic Bridge over the Damanganga River, a major engineering project designed to provide seamless connectivity across the river and reduce travel time within Daman. Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the Daman Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art facility located on the beachfront intended to attract corporate tourism and host national and international events.
Educational and industrial growth were also prioritized during the visit. The foundation stone for a permanent campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Daman was laid to bolster educational infrastructure and skill development. Furthermore, projects such as the Transport Nagar logistics hub and the development of a new industrial estate at Velugam in Dadra and Nagar Haveli are set to scale up regional trade and freight operations. The Prime Minister also virtually laid the foundation stones for four major projects in Lakshadweep, worth approximately ₹885 crore, focusing on port facilities at Kalpeni and Kadmat islands.
Significance: Building a “Mini India” and Global Hub
The Prime Minister’s vision for the Union Territory centers on transforming it into a global economic and tourism hub, similar to the development models of Singapore or Hong Kong. By leveraging its strategic location on the western coast and its status as a manufacturing powerhouse, the government aims to attract global investments and create high-quality employment opportunities. The branding of Daman as a Mini India underscores its role as a melting pot of cultures, where people from across the country contribute to a vibrant industrial and social ecosystem.
The comprehensive nature of these 56 projects, ranging from specialized healthcare to advanced logistics, signals a shift toward integrated urban planning. As the Union Territory continues to build on the foundations laid by the 2020 merger, these initiatives are expected to bridge the infrastructure gap and improve the quality of life for its residents. The focus on air connectivity and corporate tourism, in particular, positions the region as a major player in India’s growing service sector and its mission to achieve the Viksit Bharat status by 2047.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 56 development projects worth ₹2,970 crore in the Union Territory.
- The new terminal building of NAMO Airport in Daman was developed at a cost of ₹97 crore with a capacity to handle 180 passengers at a time.
- The NAMO Hospital in Daman is a 300-bed multi-specialty district hospital designed to treat over 1,500 OPD patients daily.
- The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was officially formed on January 26, 2020, with its capital at Daman.
- Key infrastructure foundations include an Iconic Bridge over the Damanganga River and a permanent campus for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
- During the same visit, the government virtually launched port-related projects in Lakshadweep valued at approximately ₹885 crore.
