Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects totaling over ₹426 crore in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Unveiled on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the initiatives are designed to upgrade infrastructure, enhance visitor convenience, and expand tourism experiences surrounding the world’s tallest statue.
Out of the total funding, projects worth ₹307.83 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for upcoming works valued at ₹118.88 crore.
Key Highlights of Inaugurated Projects (₹307.83 Crore)
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New Attractions: An IRCTC hotel (₹50 crore), the Ekta Cruise (₹16 crore), a newly developed rainforest (₹14.30 crore), an eco trail (₹3.67 crore), and the Ekta Prakash Parv showcase highlighting national unity and cultural heritage. Upgrades were also made to the Unity Glow Garden.
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Mobility & Accessibility: A new travelator (₹28.22 crore), two 9-meter air-conditioned electric buses, an expanded walkway connecting the Ekta Nagar railway station to the visitor center, and new jetty facilities near Mokhdi village.
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Civic Infrastructure: A sewage treatment plant (₹45.53 crore), a water treatment plant (₹21.40 crore), a parade track with supporting facilities (₹23.81 crore), staff quarters (₹14.25 crore), a colony road (₹23 crore), and CISF barracks.
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Beautification & Utilities: Enhanced facade lighting at the Statue of Unity, new fountains, artistic sculptures, water stations, and beautification along the Narmada Ghat at Shoolpaneshwar.
Key Upcoming Projects (₹118.88 Crore Foundation Stones)
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Road & Bridge Connectivity: The Gora Bhandra Road project (₹59.32 crore), the Khalwani Bridge development (₹7.72 crore), and the expansion of Vaghadia Road to ease access to the river rafting point and solid waste disposal site from Mandva Faliya.
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Environmental & Waste Management: A smart zero-waste integrated solid waste management facility (₹36.58 crore), an integrated cactus and butterfly garden (₹5.79 crore), and Khalwani eco-tourism developments (₹5.15 crore).
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Safety Infrastructure: A dedicated disaster control room to fortify the safety and emergency response capacity of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Driven by the state government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, these multi-sectoral projects aim to solidify Ekta Nagar’s position as a premier global tourist destination.
