Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth ₹1,500 crore under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, senior ministers, and top civic officials.
Addressing a large gathering, Shah said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has made extraordinary strides in national security, economic growth, infrastructure expansion, poverty reduction, and the implementation of wide-reaching welfare schemes. He also noted that India’s global stature has increased significantly and that the country’s cultural heritage and civilisational values are being recognised across the world.
Push for Major Sporting Events and Global Sports Infrastructure
Emphasising Ahmedabad’s emergence as a sports powerhouse, Shah urged citizens to contribute to preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India is slated to host. Shah recalled that Gujarat initiated the “Khelo Gujarat” movement during Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister—a model that later inspired the national “Khelo India” programme.
He highlighted that Ahmedabad has rapidly expanded its sporting ecosystem, with world-class multisport facilities now available within a five-kilometre radius for most residents. During the event, three new sports complexes were launched, further strengthening the city’s athletic landscape.
Shah said that after evaluating sports infrastructure and logistics in more than 70 countries, global authorities selected India to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Ahmedabad is also preparing to welcome the 2029 World Police & Fire Games, and is being considered as a potential host city for the 2036 Olympic Games, a move that could transform it into a major international sports training destination.
Breakdown of ₹1,500-Crore Development Work
The Home Minister detailed that the new package includes the inauguration of works worth ₹26 crore, the launch of works worth ₹30 crore, and the allotment draws for two major housing projects—totaling 58 individual works unveiled from a single dais.
Shah said Gujarat is witnessing uniform development across sectors and credited both the central and state governments for accelerating progress at an unprecedented pace.
Major Infrastructure and Growth Projects in Gujarat
During his address, Shah listed several transformative initiatives underway in the state, including:
- The world’s largest renewable energy park
- Asia’s biggest greenfield smart city at Dholera
- The Surat–Chennai Expressway, beginning from Gujarat
- GIFT City, India’s first international financial centre
- The Ahmedabad–Mumbai bullet train project
- The upcoming Namo Rapid Rail Corridor from Bhuj to Ahmedabad
These, he said, are shaping Gujarat’s future as a global hub for finance, mobility, sustainability, and advanced infrastructure.
Political Momentum and National Developments
Shah said the BJP and NDA continue to gain the confidence of voters, maintaining strong momentum since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He dismissed opposition claims regarding EVM tampering and voter lists, stating that voters themselves have rejected such allegations.
He added that the party is also poised to expand its presence in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Shah referred to the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, noting that construction began in 2019 and consecration took place in 2024. He said a temple dedicated to Sita in Bihar is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Tribute on Armed Forces Flag Day
Marking Armed Forces Flag Day, the Home Minister paid homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. He appealed to citizens to continue contributing to the welfare of serving and retired defence personnel.
Local Initiatives in Gandhinagar
Highlighting progress in his parliamentary constituency, Shah said Gandhinagar’s green cover has grown by 13.6% over the past five years. He urged residents to plant 5 to 50 trees during the monsoon season, and encouraged youth groups to adopt responsibility for their upkeep.
He emphasized that environmental consciousness must become a collective habit to safeguard the city’s ecological balance.
