PM Modi to Unleash Rs 426 Crore Development Boost for Ekta Nagar
PM Modi visits Ekta Nagar for National Unity Day, inaugurating 31 tourism and infrastructure projects worth over Rs 426 crore.
In a significant move to elevate the visitor experience at the world's tallest statue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Ekta Nagar in Gujarat to mark ‘National Unity Day’ (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). To commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister will pay tribute at the Statue of Unity and oversee the launch of 31 tourism and infrastructure development projects with a combined investment exceeding Rs 426.71 crore.
A Tourism Makeover: New Attractions and Amenities
A major portion of the visit focuses on transforming Ekta Nagar into a world-class destination. The Prime Minister will inaugurate 23 projects in the Statue of Unity area, totaling Rs 307.83 crore. These include high-end additions designed to draw more tourists and enhance their stay:
- Luxury and Leisure: A new IRCTC hotel constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore and the launch of the Ekta Cruise (Rs 16 crore).
- Nature Experiences: The creation of a Rain Forest (Rs 14.30 crore) and an ‘Eco-Trail’ (Rs 3.67 crore).
- Visitor Comfort: The installation of ‘Travelators’ worth Rs 28.22 crore to ensure seamless movement for tourists.
Strengthening the Backbone: Infrastructure Upgrades
Beyond the tourist attractions, the government is investing heavily in the essential infrastructure required to support a growing number of visitors and residents. Key inaugurations include:
- Water and Waste Management: A sewage treatment plant (Rs 45.53 crore) and a water treatment plant (Rs 21.40 crore).
- Urban Mobility: A 24-metre colony road (Rs 23 crore) to reduce traffic congestion and a parade track with associated works (Rs 23.81 crore).
- Staff and Security: New staff quarters (Rs 14.25 crore) for employees and the development of CISF barracks.
Further enhancements include the development of a terminal building and jetty near Mokhadi village, the extension of a walkway from the railway station to the Visitor Centre, and the installation of decorative fountains and facade lighting within the campus.
Beautification and Cultural Heritage
The Prime Minister will also oversee the introduction of ‘Ekta Prakash Parv,’ a project dedicated to showcasing India’s cultural heritage and national unity. Other aesthetic upgrades include the use of ‘Geocell’ technology for landscaping the Gora Bridge slopes, the expansion of the Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat, and the upgrading of the Unity Glow Garden. To promote green mobility, two new 9-metre-long air-conditioned electric buses are being introduced.
Looking Ahead: Foundation Stones for Future Growth
The development drive doesn't stop with current inaugurations. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stones for eight additional projects worth Rs 118.88 crore, ensuring the long-term growth of the region. These future projects include:
- Connectivity: The Gora-Bhanadra Road (Rs 59.32 crore), the development of the Khalwani Bridge (Rs 7.72 crore), and the widening of Vaghadia Road to improve access to the river rafting point.
- Sustainability and Safety: A ‘Smart Zero Waste’ Integrated Solid Waste Management Project (Rs 36.58 crore) and a dedicated Disaster Control Room to ensure the safety of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
- Eco-Tourism: The integrated development of a Cactus and Butterfly Garden (Rs 5.79 crore) and the Khalwani Eco-Tourism project (Rs 5.15 crore).
Through these continuous additions and infrastructure upgrades, the government aims to provide a comprehensive and world-class tourism experience for every visitor arriving at the Statue of Unity.