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Ahmedabad, Nov 23 (IANS) Gandhidham, which was recently upgraded from municipality to municipal corporation, is set for a major urban makeover as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled development works worth Rs 176 crore during his first visit to the city after the announcement of the new civic status.
The projects, which include a model fire station, smart library, iconic entrance gates, upgraded gardens, roads, water and drainage networks and storm water system, aim to give the industrial hub a new identity and redefine its urban landscape.
The most symbolic project of the city will be the redevelopment of the stretch from Gopalpuri Gate to Sarvodaya Cricket Ground into an iconic Gaurav Path, reflecting the economic and cultural importance of Gandhidham within Kutch.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said Gandhidham, known as the “economic capital of Kutch” and one of the major industrial hubs of Gujarat, is set to reach “new heights of development” under the urban vision of the state government.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach of considering urbanization not as a challenge but as an opportunity has shaped the development of Gujarat’s cities.
He highlighted that the state government has increased the urban development budget by 40 per cent this year, and has allocated Rs 30,000 crore to boost overall city development.
“The projects worth Rs 176 crore for Gandhidham will strengthen the Prime Minister’s vision of ease of living and inclusive growth,” he said.
During the visit, Chief Minister Patel paid floral tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar at Oslo Circle and inaugurated the restored Ambedkar statue, as well as dedicated the newly constructed flyover named ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Bridge’ and the circle development and associated urban amenities including parking facilities.
Addressing the citizens at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Auditorium in Gopalpuri, the Chief Minister congratulated the local people on getting the status of Municipal Corporation.
“Before the upgradation, Gandhidham’s annual budget was ₹110 crore. After becoming a municipal corporation, it has increased six times to ₹608 crore,” he said.
He said Rs 255 crore has already been allocated to Gandhidham under various urban development schemes in the last three years.
CM Patel said the newly started works reflect real holistic development – from essentials like roads, water, drainage and public gardens to modern civic infrastructure like model fire stations and smart libraries.
“The cities of Gujarat have shown the country what the scale and pace of development should be,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Modi transformed the “politics of development into development at the grassroots level”.
Recalling PM Modi’s leadership in rebuilding Kutch after the 2001 earthquake, the Chief Minister said that due to the strong foundation laid during that time, Gujarat is today a leader in trade, industry, employment, education and healthcare.
He also highlighted the long-term vision of developing cities as future-ready growth centres. As part of this effort, the state is organizing Regional Vibrant Conclaves to promote investment in local industries.
The upcoming Saurashtra-Kutch Regional Vibrant Summit in Rajkot is expected to play an important role in attracting large-scale investments and strengthening the Kutch industrial ecosystem.
Calling upon citizens to participate in building sustainable, future-ready cities, the Chief Minister said, “With the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, we must ensure that Gandhidham takes the lead in building the cities of tomorrow.”
The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by residents in Gandhidham from the airport to Gopalpuri, where communities celebrated with traditional drums and welcomed him all the way. Citizens from various social groups participated and appreciated the government’s commitment towards inclusive development.
Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Trikamji Chhanga, speaking at the event, said that Gandhidham, born out of the trauma of partition, has emerged as one of the major hubs of economic and port-based activity of India.
He said that getting the status of Municipal Corporation will enable planned expansion and rapid development. He said Prime Minister Modi’s long-term emotional connect and commitment towards Kutch is reflected in the continuous improvement in water, roads and other essential sectors under the present government.
–IANS
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