Inside Gujarat's Rs 426 cr tourism makeover

Gujarat's Ekta Nagar is set for a major upgrade, with a budget of Rs 426 crore allocated to enhance tourism and infrastructure around the Statue of Unity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 23 projects worth Rs 307.83 crore and laid the foundation for eight more projects costing Rs 118.88 crore. The total cost of these initiatives is Rs 426.71 crore, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

Among the notable attractions are an IRCTC hotel costing Rs 50 crore, the Ekta Cruise at Rs 16 crore, a Rain Forest attraction at Rs 14.30 crore, and an Eco Trail developed at Rs 3.67 crore. These additions aim to diversify the visitor experience beyond the Statue of Unity and solidify Ekta Nagar's status as a premier tourism destination.

Improving visitor facilities is another key focus, with travelators worth Rs 28.22 crore, two air-conditioned electric buses, a 24-metre colony road at Rs 23 crore, and staff quarters at Rs 14.25 crore already completed. The project also includes the extension of the walkway connecting Ekta Nagar railway station to the Visitor Centre, road improvements near the Statue of Unity, and enhancements to the Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat.

Beyond tourism, the package covers essential infrastructure like a Rs 45.53 crore sewage treatment plant, a Rs 21.40 crore water treatment facility, and other civic projects. The inauguration also marks the beginning of several other planned projects, including a Rs 59 crore Gora-Bhanadra Road, a Rs 7.72 crore Khalwani Bridge, and a Rs 36.58 crore Smart Zero Waste integrated solid waste management system.