Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a significant tourism and infrastructure push for Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, unveiling 31 projects worth a total of ₹426.71 crore. The initiatives, centered around the iconic Statue of Unity, are designed to transform the area into a premier tourist destination and improve local civic amenities.
The announcement was made on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose statue stands as the world's tallest. The comprehensive package includes 23 completed projects, valued at ₹307.83 crore, and the foundation stone laying for eight new projects totaling ₹118.88 crore.
Boosting Visitor Experience
Among the key additions to the Statue of Unity tourism landscape is a new IRCTC hotel, constructed at a cost of ₹50 crore, which will significantly expand accommodation options for visitors. Another highlight is the ₹16-crore Ekta Cruise, offering a unique water-based sightseeing experience along the Narmada River.
Further enhancing the area's appeal, a ₹14.30-crore Rain Forest attraction and a ₹3.67-crore Eco Trail have been developed. Other visitor-focused projects include a Cactus and Butterfly Garden costing ₹5.79 crore, upgraded Narmada Ghat facilities, and modern travelators, all aimed at enriching the tourist experience.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades
Beyond direct tourist attractions, the investment also addresses crucial civic infrastructure. The projects encompass the introduction of electric buses, improvements to local roads, enhanced facade lighting for key structures, and the establishment of new water and sewage treatment plants. These upgrades are intended to ensure better last-mile connectivity and essential public services for both residents and a growing influx of tourists.
Officials emphasized that the goal is to position the Statue of Unity precinct as a holistic destination, combining new attractions with robust civic infrastructure. This strategic development is expected to support longer visitor stays, improve overall accessibility, and diversify the economic benefits beyond the monument itself, fostering growth in hospitality, transport, and local employment.
A Hub for National Unity
Before launching the projects, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recognizing his pivotal role in integrating princely states into independent India. Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, has rapidly developed into a prominent tourism hub since the Statue of Unity opened, drawing visitors from across the nation and globally. The latest investment underscores a continued commitment to developing this area as a symbol of national unity and a significant economic driver for Gujarat.