Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Gujarat on 30th October, 2024, starting in Ekta Nagar, located approximately 200 km from Ahmedabad. During this visit, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth over ₹284 crore in the Narmada district, which is home to the iconic Statue of Unity.
Key Inaugurations
- New tourism and attraction centers launched to enhance the global reputation of the Statue of Unity area.
Projects included,
- Bonsai Garden
- Sewage Treatment Plant
- Sardar Sarovar Dam Experience Center
- 50-bed sub-district hospital, costing ₹22 crore, equipped with:
- Trauma center
- CT scan
- ICU
- Labor room
- Operation theatre
- ICU-on-wheels service for immediate critical care.
Sustainable Development Initiatives
- A 4-megawatt solar project inaugurated, valued at ₹23.26 crore, promoting green energy in Ekta Nagar.
- Expansion of a protective wall near the Cactus Garden to mitigate flood damage from 2023.
- Hospitality District redevelopment project costing ₹60 crore to prevent flood risks and support sustained development.
Addressing Officer Trainees
- PM Modi addressed Officer Trainees of the 99th Common Foundation Course in Aarambh 6.0, emphasizing “Roadmap for Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.”
- The program included 653 trainees from 16 Indian civil services and 3 Bhutanese civil services.
Traffic Management Enhancements
- Construction of traffic circles in Ekta Nagar and surrounding areas, costing ₹2.58 crore, to improve traffic flow and aesthetics.
- Installation of push-button pedestrian crossings, car charging points, and a running track for State Reserve Police force personnel.
Tourist Attractions and Infrastructure
Sculptures
- 24 sculptures crafted by renowned sculptors to enhance the beauty of Ekta Nagar.
Walkways
- Inauguration of walkways from Bus Bay to Viewpoint-1 and from Ekta Dwar (Ekta Gate) to Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan (Phase 1).
Miyawaki Forest Expansion
- Enhancements to promote biodiversity.
- Beautification of Helipad Road.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
- Foundation stone laid for a ₹75 crore plant to manage sewage disposal for around 4,000 homes, government quarters, and hospitality establishments.
Flood Defense Mechanisms
- Extension of the protection wall near the Cactus Garden in response to the 2023 floods to enhance flood defenses, along with plans for a riverfront, food stalls, and walkways.
- Land elevation project with an investment of over ₹60 crore to protect against future flooding.
Significance
- These projects aim to enhance tourism, promote sustainable development, and improve public facilities in the Ekta Nagar area, reinforcing its status as a prominent tourist destination and bolstering local infrastructure.
About EKTA Nagar
- Ekta Nagar is a census town in the Narmada district of Gujarat, India, and is home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.
- It is also the location of the Ekta Nagar railway station, which was previously known as the Kevadiya station.