The Gujarat government has approved an allocation of ₹255.06 crore for road development projects in Surat, Rajkot, and Gandhinagar under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana. Chief Minister announced this crucial funding decision on Monday, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and road safety across these cities.
The allocation breakdown reveals that Surat Municipal Corporation will receive the lion’s share of ₹181.50 crore for 579 various projects. These projects encompass a range of initiatives, including the widening of existing roads, the construction of new thoroughfares, the development of footpaths, and the laying of cement concrete roads, which collectively aim to improve the overall quality of the city’s road network. Rajkot Municipal Corporation is set to benefit from ₹60.78 crore dedicated to 12 specific road projects, while Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has been allocated ₹12.84 crore for road renovation work. This substantial financial investment reflects a broader strategy by the state government to prioritise urban infrastructure, which is essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Over the past four years, the Gujarat government has sanctioned a total of ₹961.47 crore for urban road projects across these cities, including ₹740.85 crore for 1,493 projects in Surat, ₹168.94 crore for 29 projects in Rajkot, and ₹57.68 crore for seven projects in Gandhinagar. This latest approval marks a decisive step forward, accelerating infrastructure development and paving the way for improved urban mobility. Additionally, in June 2024, the Union government unveiled a Border Roads Network Action Plan (BRNAP) aimed at strengthening infrastructure along the 512-km International Border with Pakistan. A key component of this plan involves enhancing the operational efficiency of security forces stationed in the region, with a dedicated 100-km stretch identified for Gujarat.
This initiative not only focuses on military logistics but also ensures the swift movement of essential supplies and armoured vehicles, enhancing the security framework along the border. A total of 50 km of this network will extend from Border Security Force manned Border Post 921 to Border Post 1175, while the remaining stretch will connect Border Post 1175 to Sir Mouth and the coastal areas. From a sustainability perspective, these road projects will contribute to reduced vehicular emissions by improving traffic flow and ensuring safer travel routes. Efficient infrastructure also encourages public transport use, further aligning with environmental goals.
