Gandhidham: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated 66 development projects worth ₹176 crore in Gandhidham, marking his first visit to the city after it was elevated from a municipality to a municipal corporation. Speaking at the event held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Auditorium in Gopalpuri, CM Patel said that the upgrade has increased Gandhidham’s budget sixfold, providing a significant boost to the city’s infrastructure and urban development.
Honouring Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
As part of the inauguration ceremony, CM Patel paid tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Oslo Circle, unveiling a new statue in his honour. He also inaugurated the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bridge, a newly constructed flyover, along with circle development and modern parking facilities for the convenience of citizens.
Boosting Gandhidham’s Infrastructure and Urban Growth
CM Patel emphasized that Gandhidham, being Kutch’s economic capital and one of Gujarat’s key industrial centers, will be taken to new heights of development under the guidance of the Prime Minister and state government. The city now has a budget of ₹608 crore, six times higher than before, after merging 11 surrounding villages into the new municipal corporation. Over the past three years, Gandhidham has already received ₹255 crore under various urban development schemes.
Gujarat Sets a Model for Urban Development
Highlighting the scope of the development projects, CM Patel said these works demonstrate a holistic approach to urban planning, focusing on:
- Iconic roads and lanes
- Water supply and drainage systems
- Gardens and public ponds
- Modern facilities like fire stations and libraries
He noted that Gujarat’s cities have become role models for speed, scale, and efficiency in urban development, inspiring other states in India.
Urban Development Plans and Long-Term Vision
CM Patel also pointed out that Gujarat has been following a visionary urban development roadmap, beginning with the Urban Development Year in 2005 and continuing with the Golden Jubilee Urban Development Scheme in 2010, commemorating 50 years of the state. Over the last 15 years, the state government has invested more than ₹57,000 crore under these schemes, providing small and medium cities with modern amenities and infrastructure.
