In a momentous occasion coinciding with Diwali and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation for various development projects and tourist attractions in Ekta Nagar on October 31.
On National Unity Day, the Prime Minister will visit Ekta Nagar in the Narmada district, where he will oversee projects valued at over Rs 284 crore. The iconic Statue of Unity in Kevadia, renowned as the tallest statue in the world, has become a global tourist magnet, and the new projects aim to further enhance its appeal.
Among the key facilities being inaugurated are the Bonsai Garden, a Sewage Treatment Plant, the Sardar Sarovar Dam Experience Center, a Sub-District Hospital, traffic circles, and smart bus stops, all designed to foster development in Ekta Nagar. The new sub-district hospital, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore, boasts a capacity of 50 beds and will offer essential medical services, including a trauma center, operating theaters, an ICU, and ambulance services.
Additionally, two ICU-on-wheels will be launched to provide enhanced medical emergency services. The Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SoUADTGA) will also inaugurate the first phase of 10 smart bus stops and pick-up stands to facilitate tourist movement within the area.
Traffic management improvements include the construction of new traffic circles at key locations, with an investment of Rs 2.58 crore. Other enhancements include push-button pedestrian crossings at 10 sites in Ekta Nagar and car charging points to promote electric vehicle usage.
In July 2024, the Statue of Unity Authority collaborated with the SAPTI Institute to host a 20-day Sculpture Symposium, where renowned sculptors created 24 sculptures themed around water, nature, and unity. These sculptures will be strategically placed to enhance the aesthetics of Ekta Nagar.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate new walkways connecting major tourist spots, expand the Miyawaki Forest, and beautify Helipad Road. A notable feature of this event will be the inauguration of a 4 MW solar project, developed for Rs 23.26 crore, to promote renewable energy in the region.
On October 31, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a Rs 75 crore sewage treatment plant that will manage sewage disposal from approximately 4,000 homes and various hospitality establishments, promoting public health and safety. Additionally, he will lay the groundwork for the Fire Staff Residential Quarters and the Sardar Sarovar Dam Experience Center, which will highlight the dam’s operations and impact through six informative galleries.
The Prime Minister will also announce plans for a world-class bonsai garden aimed at promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of bonsai art. In response to the 2023 floods, measures will be taken to extend the protection wall near the Cactus Garden, enhance flood defenses, and develop a riverfront with food stalls and walkways. Moreover, the hospitality district in Garudeshwar will undergo land level elevation to safeguard it from future flooding, with an investment exceeding Rs 60 crore.
(Inputs from ANI)