Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on October 30 and 31, with programmes spanning dairy-sector development in Banaskantha and infrastructure and tourism projects around the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar.
The visit will feature the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, new facilities associated with Banas Dairy, and projects intended to expand eco-tourism and public transport in the Narmada district. The Prime Minister will also participate in the annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre to Boost Cattle Genetics
A key highlight in Banaskantha will be the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi. Spread across 127 acres and developed at a cost of approximately ₹325 crore, the facility aims to strengthen livestock breeding and improve the genetic quality of cattle.
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The centre has received technical support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and assistance under the Centre’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Its advanced reproductive technologies include ovum pick-up, in-vitro fertilisation (OPU-IVF) and embryo transfer.
The initiative is intended to support indigenous cattle improvement and enhance productivity in the dairy sector.
Banas Dairy to Expand Processing and Automated Warehousing
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate or launch additional projects associated with Banas Dairy, the Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union.
Key projects include:
- French fries processing plant, Sanadar: An expansion project costing approximately ₹51.65 crore is designed to increase processing capacity from two tonnes to five tonnes per hour.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval System, Palanpur: The ₹31.14-crore facility will streamline storage and dispatch of ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk products. Its automated warehouse is designed to accommodate 11,000 pallets.
- Bio-CNG plants, Tharad and Radhanpur: Foundation stones will be laid for two facilities that will process cattle dung into renewable fuel and organic fertiliser. Their planned daily processing capacities are 75 and 100 metric tonnes, respectively.
The projects are intended to strengthen dairy-linked infrastructure, improve logistics and expand the productive use of agricultural waste.
Rain Forest Project to Add Glass Skywalk Near Statue of Unity
At Ekta Nagar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects intended to improve visitor facilities, accessibility and sustainability around the Statue of Unity.
One of the planned attractions is a Rain Forest project near the New Gora Bridge. The facility is designed to recreate rainforest environments and provide visitors with an immersive nature experience.
A glass-deck skywalk is among the attraction’s prominent features, offering elevated views of the surrounding greenery. The wider project is part of the region’s expanding eco-tourism infrastructure. The official schedule lists the Rain Forest project among those for which the foundation stone will be laid.
Another attraction is the 2.62-kilometre Trail of United India at Limdi village. The forest trail features thematic zones related to nature, youth, women’s empowerment, heritage and spirituality, along with visitor amenities.
Ekta Cruise and Green Mobility to Strengthen Tourism
The development programme at Ekta Nagar also includes initiatives to improve transport and the visitor experience.
The Prime Minister’s programme includes the flagging off of electric buses and the inauguration or foundation-laying of projects covering tourist facilities, walkways and other public infrastructure. An Ekta Cruise service on the Narmada is also among the attractions reported for the celebrations.
These initiatives are intended to diversify tourism around the Statue of Unity while improving access to destinations across the area.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations on October 31
On October 31, Modi will pay floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity, administer the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge and attend the Ekta Parade.
The celebrations will feature contingents from state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces, alongside cultural tableaux and specialised displays. The programme is designed to highlight national unity and the contributions of security personnel.
The two-day visit brings together investments in dairy infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism and green mobility, with projects spread across Banaskantha and Ekta Nagar.
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