The Statue of Unity development projects received a major boost on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 23 projects worth Rs 307.83 crore and laid the foundation stones for eight additional projects valued at Rs 118.88 crore in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The combined investment of Rs 426.71 crore aims to strengthen tourism, connectivity and civic infrastructure around the iconic monument.
The inauguration coincided with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Earlier in the day, Modi paid floral tributes to Patel at the Statue of Unity.
New Tourist Attractions Around the Statue of Unity
Several new attractions have been introduced to enhance the visitor experience at Ekta Nagar.
Among the major inaugurations are an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotel developed at a cost of Rs 50 crore, the Rs 16-crore Ekta Cruise, a Rain Forest attraction costing Rs 14.30 crore and an Eco-Trail developed for Rs 3.67 crore.
The prime minister also launched new visual attractions, including exterior lighting within the Statue of Unity campus, the 'Ekta Prakash Parv' heritage display and an upgraded Unity Glow Garden.
These additions are expected to diversify the tourism experience for visitors travelling to the region.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Get a Major Boost
Alongside tourism facilities, several projects have been completed to improve essential services and transportation.
A sewage treatment plant worth Rs 45.53 crore and a water treatment plant costing Rs 21.40 crore have been inaugurated. A parade track and related infrastructure, developed at a cost of Rs 23.81 crore, are also among the completed works.
For better visitor movement, travelators worth Rs 28.22 crore have been introduced. A 24-metre colony road costing Rs 23 crore is expected to help ease traffic congestion.
Other facilities include staff quarters worth Rs 14.25 crore, two nine-metre-long air-conditioned electric buses, water stations, fountains and an extended walkway connecting Ekta Nagar railway station with the Visitor Centre.
A terminal building and jetty near Mokhadi village have also been included in the development package.
Eight More Projects Planned for Ekta Nagar
The eight projects receiving foundation stones include the Gora-Bhanadra Road, estimated at Rs 59.32 crore, and a Smart Zero Waste integrated waste management facility costing Rs 36.58 crore.
Other planned developments include the Khalwani Bridge, a cactus and butterfly garden, Khalwani Eco-Tourism facilities, Vaghadia Road widening and a disaster control room for the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
The latest investment reflects Gujarat's efforts to develop Ekta Nagar and the Statue of Unity region as a major tourism destination through improved visitor facilities, infrastructure and environmental management.
Relevant Link: Gujarat Tourism
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