Gandhinagar: Celebrating two decades of consistent urban progress, the Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the Ease of Living across the state’s cities through its flagship scheme – Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana (SJMMSVY).
The year 2025 has been officially declared as Urban Development Year, commemorating 20 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as then Chief Minister, first envisioned 2005 as Gujarat’s inaugural Urban Development Year. That legacy of infrastructure-first governance continues today, with targeted investments transforming small and medium towns alongside major cities.
₹4,000 Crore Allocated for Urban Amenities Across Small Cities
From 2014–15 to 2024–25, Gujarat has launched SJMMSVY projects worth ₹3,924.97 crore aimed at delivering basic urban amenities like water supply, sewerage, and sanitation across 100+ cities. Of this, ₹2,526.98 crore worth of work has been completed, with projects worth ₹1,398.19 crore currently underway in 54 cities.
GUDC Drives Infrastructure Push in Smaller Cities
The Gujarat Urban Development Company (GUDC) has been the nodal agency for implementing urban infrastructure projects in smaller towns. Over the past 10 years, GUDC has undertaken numerous projects, including:
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)–
- 16 projects initiated at a cost of ₹283.80 crore
- 2 completed in Mehsana and Vadnagar for ₹58.74 crore
- 14 ongoing in towns like Gadhada, Patdi, Bayad, Sojitra, Savarkundla, and Vallabh Vidyanagar
Water Supply Projects–
- 10 projects worth ₹216.8 crore in 8 cities
- 9 completed (e.g., Dahod Phase-2, Patan, Kanakpur Kansad, Kalol)
- 1 ongoing in Tarsadi Part-3 for ₹3.85 crore
These projects have significantly improved regular water availability, benefitting thousands of residents and reducing water-related hardships.
Underground Sewerage Projects Improve Public Health
The most impactful component has been underground sewerage infrastructure, with–
- Completed projects: ₹2,255.29 crore across cities like Anand, Palanpur, Bharuch, Nadiad, Navsari, Godhra, Dholka, Unjha, Palitana, and many more.
- Ongoing projects: ₹1,100.83 crore across 49 towns, including Mundra-Baroi, Kathlal, Kodinar, Rajula, Halol, Vyara, Amod, and Dhrangadhra.
Additionally, stormwater drainage systems are being developed in Vapi and Viramgam at a cost of ₹68.25 crore to address urban flooding.
Chief Minister’s Vision for Holistic Urban Development
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reiterated the government’s goal of ensuring equitable urban development–
“Our focus is not only on the metros. We are committed to improving core infrastructure in small towns to truly enhance the quality of life. SJMMSVY has emerged as a backbone for this transformation.”
Through strategic planning and funding allocations, Gujarat continues to expand basic civic amenities, modernize service delivery, and ensure inclusive urban growth.
