Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Cabinet on Wednesday (28 January) approved two significant road infrastructure projects with a combined investment of around ₹5,230 crore. A key focus of the approvals is the widening of the Ahmedabad–Mehsana highway in north Gujarat. Originally converted into a four-lane highway in 1999, the 51 km stretch will now be upgraded to an eight-lane carriageway at a cost of ₹2,630 crore.
The project is aimed at addressing rising traffic volumes, as recent surveys indicate over one lakh vehicles travel on this highway daily, causing congestion and raising safety concerns. In addition to the lane expansion, seven-metre-wide service roads will be constructed on both sides along the entire stretch to separate local traffic from through traffic, improving road safety and travel efficiency.
Six-Kilometre Elevated Corridor in Kalol City
As part of the same initiative, a six-kilometre elevated corridor will be built in Kalol city, Gandhinagar district, linking five existing overbridges. This elevated section is expected to reduce urban traffic bottlenecks, facilitate smoother movement for commuters, and significantly cut travel times for vehicles passing through the city.
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Tribal Road Connectivity Under PMGSY
The second major project approved by the cabinet focuses on improving connectivity in tribal areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Roads covering 2,020 km will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2,600 crore to connect 1,614 hamlets in tribal pockets of Gujarat.
Officials highlighted that many of these settlements will receive paved road access for the first time. In the initial phase, 1,614 out of 4,781 identified tribal habitations have been selected. The new roads are expected to benefit over eight lakh people living across 1,699 settlements, boosting access to education, healthcare, and markets, while supporting regional development.
Government Focus on Infrastructure and Regional Growth
These initiatives underscore the Gujarat government’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure, ensuring safety, and promoting inclusive growth. By upgrading major highways and providing first-time road access to tribal areas, the state aims to strengthen economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents across urban and rural regions.
Gujarat Government’s Ongoing Road Development Plans
The cabinet’s approvals align with broader state infrastructure goals, which include upgrading national and state highways, improving urban mobility, and connecting remote and underserved regions. These projects are expected to generate employment during construction and long-term benefits through improved trade, commerce, and travel efficiency.
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