Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated, dedicated, and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 18,800 crore in South Gujarat. These projects are set to boost major road connectivity, power infrastructure, and industrial growth across the region.
Key Projects Inaugurated
The projects span the road, power, and industrial sectors, including key expressway packages, a high-capacity transmission network, and healthcare infrastructure. Among the major initiatives is a transmission project worth Rs 4,546 crore connecting Navsari in Gujarat with Padghe in Maharashtra, which will house the world’s largest digital substation.
Road Connectivity Boost
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of NH-56, a project expected to significantly improve access to the Statue of Unity and boost tourism-linked economic activity. Additionally, Packages VI and VII of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway were dedicated during the event. These stretches aim to enhance high-speed travel and improve logistics efficiency.
Healthcare Infrastructure
A key healthcare project inaugurated was the 200-bed ESIC Hospital in Surat. The facility includes a central laboratory, essential ancillary services, and round-the-clock emergency and trauma care to ensure timely treatment of occupational injuries and medical emergencies.
Industrial and Utility Projects
Several utility and industrial infrastructure projects were also launched. The Navsari transmission network expansion will enhance power evacuation capacity under the inter-state transmission system, supporting growing industrial and urban demand. Projects in Valsad and Bharuch districts were also inaugurated. These include modern power distribution upgrades under the Revamped Reforms-Based Distribution Sector Scheme in Valsad, advanced effluent disposal and treatment facilities at the Dahej Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region and Sarigam GIDC, and essential layout utilities at the Jambusar Bulk Drug Park.
Project Breakdown
- 19 projects costing Rs 13,926 crore inaugurated
- Foundation stones laid for five projects worth Rs 1,852 crore
- Six GIDC projects worth Rs 894 crore inaugurated in Bharuch
- Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway Packages VI and VII, costing Rs 7,689 crore, inaugurated
- Chemical and bulk drug zone projects worth Rs 1,063 crore inaugurated in Valsad and Bharuch
- Transmission network expansion project worth Rs 4,546 crore to include world’s largest digital substation
- 200-bed ESIC hospital in Surat costing Rs 212 crore
- Valsad power distribution infrastructure development project worth Rs 324.19 crore
Cycle Rally for Environment
To mark World Environment Day and support the Prime Minister’s call to save fuel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi led a cycle rally joined by more than 1,000 Surat citizens and eminent residents. The rally began at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium and concluded at the Indoor Stadium after covering 5 km.
