PM Narendra Modi Launches ₹426.71 Crore Development Projects at Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar

Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, October 31, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated a series of tourism and infrastructure development projects worth approximately ₹426.71 crore at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Saturday. He also laid the foundation stones for several new initiatives aimed at improving tourist facilities, public infrastructure and environmental management in the region. The programme was organised as part of the celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, observed annually as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Located near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Narmada district, Ekta Nagar has been undergoing infrastructure development to strengthen its position as a major national and international tourism destination. 31 Projects Worth ₹426.71 Crore The development package includes 31 tourism and infrastructure projects with a combined investment of ₹426.71 crore. Of these, 23 projects worth ₹307.83 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for eight additional projects estimated to cost ₹118.88 crore. The projects cover tourism attractions, transportation facilities, water and sewage infrastructure, roads, public amenities and environmental management. New Tourism Attractions to Improve Visitor Experience Several new attractions have been developed to offer visitors a wider range of experiences around the Statue of Unity. Among the major projects are: IRCTC Hotel: Developed at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore. Ekta Cruise: A new tourism attraction costing approximately ₹16 crore. Rain Forest: Developed with an investment of ₹14.30 crore. Eco-Trail: A nature-based visitor attraction costing ₹3.67 crore. These facilities are intended to expand tourism activities and provide visitors with additional recreational and nature-based experiences. Major Infrastructure and Public Utility Projects Apart from tourism facilities, several infrastructure projects have also been completed. These include a sewage treatment plant worth ₹45.53 crore and a water treatment plant costing ₹21.40 crore. A parade track and associated facilities have been developed at an estimated cost of ₹23.81 crore. Travelators worth ₹28.22 crore have also been introduced to make movement more convenient for visitors within the tourism complex. Other completed works include a 24-metre-wide colony road, staff quarters, CISF barracks, water stations and improvements to visitor connectivity. The development package also includes a terminal building and jetty near Mokhadi village, an extended walkway connecting Ekta Nagar railway station with the Visitor Centre, and landscaping work near the Gora Bridge. Narmada Ghat and Tourism Facilities Get an Upgrade The Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat has been included in the broader development programme, along with facade lighting at the Statue of Unity complex. The Unity Glow Garden is also being upgraded, while Ekta Prakash Parv is being developed to showcase India's cultural heritage and national unity. Two new air-conditioned electric buses, each approximately nine metres long, are also part of the visitor transport improvements. Additional installations, including sculptures, fountains and architectural features, are intended to enhance the overall appearance of Ekta Nagar. Foundation Stones Laid for Eight New Projects The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for eight development projects with a combined estimated investment of ₹118.88 crore. Some of the major initiatives include: Gora-Bhanadra Road: Estimated cost of ₹59.32 crore. Khalwani Bridge: Development project worth approximately ₹7.72 crore. Cactus and Butterfly Garden: Integrated development estimated at ₹5.79 crore. Smart Zero Waste Project: Integrated solid waste management initiative costing ₹36.58 crore. Khalwani Eco-Tourism: Development project estimated at ₹5.15 crore. The proposed works also include widening Vaghadia Road and constructing a Disaster Control Room to strengthen emergency management and safety arrangements associated with the Sardar Sarovar Dam. These initiatives are expected to improve connectivity, waste management, environmental protection and tourism infrastructure in the surrounding areas. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations The inauguration programme formed part of the wider Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar. The annual occasion commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and recognises his contribution to the political integration of the country after Independence. The Statue of Unity, standing 182 metres tall, was dedicated to the nation on October 31, 2018. It has since become one of Gujarat's major tourist attractions. Through the latest development package, the government aims to improve visitor facilities, strengthen local infrastructure and expand tourism opportunities around the monument. The projects also reflect the government's broader focus on developing Ekta Nagar as a destination combining tourism, culture, environmental sustainability and national heritage.