Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched 23 tourism and infrastructure projects in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, representing an investment of ₹307.83 crore, while also laying the groundwork for eight more initiatives valued at ₹118.88 crore. Together, these efforts total ₹426.71 crore, with a clear emphasis on enhancing tourism around the Statue of Unity complex.
The completed developments feature an IRCTC hotel to increase visitor lodging options, an Ekta Cruise service for Narmada River tours, and upgrades to the Cactus and Butterfly Garden at a cost of ₹5.79 crore. Additional improvements involve the Narmada Ghat area, the installation of travelators, electric buses, road enhancements, and upgraded lighting for the Unity Glow Garden. New water and sewage treatment systems were also introduced to accommodate the rising number of tourists.
During the event, Modi dedicated the Ekta Prakash Parv heritage exhibit and expanded the lighting infrastructure across the Statue of Unity campus. These changes aim to prolong evening tourism activities. The Gora-Bhandra Road project, budgeted at ₹59.32 crore, will strengthen regional road connections, while a zero-waste smart waste management system will promote environmental sustainability.
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The eight newly announced projects include the Khalwani Bridge (₹7.72 crore), the Khalwani Eco-Tourism initiative (₹5.15 crore), and further expansions of the Cactus and Butterfly Garden. Other plans involve widening Vaghadia Road and constructing a disaster control room for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, alongside additional visitor amenities.
These initiatives mark a strategic effort to broaden tourism beyond the Statue of Unity itself. The new infrastructure, particularly in transportation, waste management, and nighttime attractions, seeks to distribute foot traffic more evenly across the region.
