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Ahmedabad, Oct 29 (IANS) To further improve the tourist experience in Ekta Nagar, home of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 25 new electric buses (e-buses) during his visit to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31.
With these new vehicles, the total number of e-buses operating in Ekta Nagar will reach 55, providing free travel services to all tourists.
The initiative aims to make tourism in Ekta Nagar more comfortable, accessible and eco-friendly.
The newly introduced 9 meter long mini air-conditioned e-buses can travel up to 180 kilometers on a single charge.
Each bus is equipped with two emergency exits, special facilities for differently-abled passengers and four dedicated pink seats for women, ensuring safe and inclusive travel.
These additions are expected to significantly improve last-mile connectivity within Unity City and further promote sustainable tourism.
Officials said the expansion reflects PM Modi’s vision of making Ekta Nagar a model for green mobility and smart tourism.
On World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, PM Modi had announced the transformation of Ekta Nagar into India’s first e-city. Since then, the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGAA) has successively introduced e-cars, e-rickshaws and e-buses in several phases.
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 1,219 crore, including the Rs 367 crore Museum of Royal Empires of India and the Rs 303 crore Birsa Munda Bhawan, dedicated to the revered tribal leader.
Overall, projects worth over Rs 700 crore will be launched, while projects worth Rs 519 crore will be inaugurated.
The Prime Minister will also unveil a commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Additionally, he will flag off electric buses in Ekta Nagar and participate in several public events.
–IANS
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