Gujarat Approves Rs 2609 Crore To Resurface 1258 Rural Roads
Gujarat has unveiled a ₹2,609 crore rural road renewal programme, aimed at resurfacing 1,258 panchayat-managed roads spanning 4,196 km across the state. The decision, cleared this week, marks one of the largest pushes in recent years to strengthen rural connectivity and ensure all-weather access for villages.
Officials confirmed that the project will upgrade 487 roads covering 1,609 km in north Gujarat, 499 roads spanning 1,528 km in south Gujarat, and 272 roads stretching 1,059 km in Saurashtra. The move comes in response to repeated demands from local communities and representatives for stronger infrastructure that can withstand monsoon disruptions and heavy rural traffic.The initiative is seen as more than a road resurfacing exercise it is expected to act as a catalyst for rural transformation.
By ensuring smoother village-to-market connectivity, the government aims to boost agricultural trade, enable faster access to healthcare and education, and strengthen last-mile logistics in the state’s hinterland. Officials also emphasised that improved road quality reduces fuel consumption and vehicular emissions, thereby aligning with sustainable development goals.Gujarat has long positioned itself as a leader in road infrastructure, with over 1.63 lakh km of road network. From pioneering India’s first expressway between Ahmedabad and Vadodara to executing coastal corridors, the state has consistently invested in strengthening mobility. The resurfacing plan now extends this focus deeper into villages, where road networks directly influence social and economic progress.
In addition to road building, the state budget for 2024–25 earmarked significant allocations for smart city projects, renewable-energy-linked transport, and modernised state highways. Experts point out that by connecting villages with expressways and industrial corridors, Gujarat is not only improving local quality of life but also ensuring smoother integration into larger trade and logistics frameworks.The resurfacing initiative also carries a climate resilience dimension. Stronger rural roads minimise erosion, prevent repeated repair works, and cut down on construction-related emissions over time. By focusing on all-weather connectivity, the state aims to reduce seasonal isolation of villages and lower the costs of goods movement, particularly essential commodities.
While the announcement has been welcomed by rural stakeholders, urban planners suggest that the state must also pair road building with investments in public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, and electric mobility hubs in smaller towns. This, they argue, would future-proof rural mobility while balancing sustainability with growth.As Gujarat readies to resurface more than 4,000 km of rural roads, the challenge will lie in ensuring that the investment delivers not just smoother rides but also inclusive and eco-friendly growth.
