PM Modi to Attend Narmada Aarti at Ekta Nagar on Oct 30
PM Narendra Modi visits Ekta Nagar on Oct 30 for the Narmada Aarti at the newly upgraded Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat ahead of National Unity Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on the evening of October 30, where he will participate in the PM Modi Narmada Aarti at the Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat. This spiritual visit serves as a prelude to the National Unity Day celebrations scheduled for October 31, during which the Prime Minister will visit the iconic Statue of Unity.
A Massive Makeover for Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat
The visit comes at a time when the Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat has undergone a significant transformation. According to a press release from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SoUADTGA) invested Rs 15.10 crore to upgrade the site. The project focused on modernising facilities and expanding the area to better accommodate devotees and tourists.
The beautification of the ghat has been a centerpiece of the upgrade, featuring the extensive use of red sandstone, intricate murals, and sculptures to create a spiritually enriching environment.
Expanded Capacity and Better Access
To handle the growing number of pilgrims, the visitor capacity of the ghat has been increased from 4,000 to 6,000 people. Key infrastructure improvements include:
- Special Seating: Dedicated seating arrangements have been created for approximately 2,000 individuals.
- Ghat Expansion: The stepped ghat along the riverbank was extended by 31 metres × 47 metres upstream and 95 metres × 10.5 metres toward the riverbank to provide more space for group gatherings.
- Improved Connectivity: A 190-metre-long, all-weather approach road has been developed through the Ekta Nursery Gate to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pilgrims.
Enhanced Spiritual Infrastructure
The upgraded site now features a well-organised courtyard and an open-air amphitheatre-style seating arrangement specifically designed for the regular evening Aarti and other religious ceremonies. Safety and aesthetics were balanced with the installation of durable, anti-slip flooring and carved railings made of red sandstone.
Adding to the cultural appeal, murals depicting spiritual and cultural themes have been painted along the path from the Ekta Nursery Gate to the ghat. Furthermore, civil works have been completed for the foundation pedestal of a monumental statue of Lord Shiva, a project established in collaboration with BLW and NEZCC.
Sustainability and Tourism Goals
Beyond the visual upgrades, the project addressed critical environmental concerns. To protect the riverbank from erosion during monsoon floods, engineered RCC retaining structures were installed to regulate and direct the river's flow, ensuring long-term structural durability.
The Gujarat government aims for these improvements to:
- Facilitate easier crowd dispersal and unobstructed pedestrian access.
- Provide better facilities for holy bathing and sacred rituals.
- Establish Ekta Nagar as a premier destination for cultural and spiritual tourism.
- Create new livelihood opportunities for the local residents of the region.