Vadodara — In a significant move to enhance tourism and improve connectivity, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has greenlit a Rs 381.16 crore project for the development of a high-speed corridor linking Vadodara with the world-renowned Statue of Unity.

The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, dedicated to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, has become a magnet for tourists globally. To facilitate better access for the growing number of visitors, the government is set to upgrade the road infrastructure from Vadodara to the statue complex.

The first phase of the project includes constructing a six-lane road from the Vadodara National Highway 48 junction to the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA) boundary. Additionally, a standard four-lane road will cover the remaining 2.5 km stretch to Dabhoi. Service roads on both sides, two underpasses, and two elevated corridors are also part of the plan. Specifically, a six-lane vehicle underpass will be built at Ratanpur Chowkdi and Thuvavi Junction, while a four-lane elevated corridor will be constructed at Kelanpur village and Sinor Chowkdi. This development is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region, offering a smoother journey for tourists heading to the iconic statue.

Kevadia, Jan 11 (IANS) The Statue of Unity (SOU) Jungle Safari Park in Ekta Nagar has become home to three exotic animals: An orangutan, a white lion, and a jaguar.

These species, hailing from different corners of the world, have been provided with specially-tailored accommodations to ensure their comfort and well-being in their new environment.

The SOU Jungle Safari is a sanctuary for 186 animal species from different continents, including Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.

White lions, a rare variation found primarily in Africa, are known for their distinctive colour caused by a genetic condition. Orangutans, the intelligent and expressive red apes, are native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, while jaguars, the powerful and elusive big cats, roam the forests of South America.

Spanning an area of 375 acres and distributed across seven distinct levels, the park is situated along the picturesque banks of the Narmada River, with varying elevations from 29 metres to an impressive 180 metres.

Notably, the park also provides a haven for several endangered species native to India, such as the Asiatic Lion, the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the cheetah, allowing visitors to see these majestic creatures up close.

The safari route enables visitors to observe various animal activities, along with various reptiles and birds.

The animal clusters in the park are arranged to represent their respective continents, providing an authentic glimpse into the diverse habitats of these species.

The mountainous terrain of the Vindhyachal region, where the park is located, offers an ideal natural habitat for these animals.

Kevadiya, Gujarat, October 31, 2023: A unity parade was organized on the theme of "Unity in Diversity" on the occasion of National Unity Day at the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat, on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, by showering flowers on the statue from a helicopter.

The unity parade was led by IPS Korukanda Siddhartha and featured contingents from the Gujarat Police, paramilitary forces, and various security agencies. Special attractions of the parade included:

• Women CRPF Bikers
• Daredevil Show by Yashaswini
• Women Pipe Band of BSF
• Choreography Program by Gujarat Mahila Police
• Special NCC Show
• School Band Display
• G20 Summit tableau
• Chandrayaan Project tableau
• Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team flypast
• Marchpast by police forces from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat
• Tableau showcasing the economic prosperity of vibrant border villages and the diverse culture of different states of the country

The parade was a grand spectacle of India's diversity and unity. The disciplined performance of the ITBP, CISF, CRPF, and BSF was particularly impressive. The soldiers of the Gujarat-Delhi-Punjab Regiment played the brave and melodious tunes of the police band.

The unity parade is a tradition that has been held on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the last six years in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district. The parade is a reminder of Patel's vision for a united India and his contribution to the country's independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, to pay tribute to him and attend the National Unity Day function. He will also inaugurate a number of new projects, including a visitor center, walkway, sub-district hospital, Kamalam Park, and Sahakar Bhavan.

Visitor Center

A visitor center will be constructed at a cost of about Rs 100 crore to provide information and directions to tourists, as well as shops, food courts, restaurants, and rest and entertainment places.

Walkway

A 150-meter walkway with 2 frisking booths has been constructed at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore to improve the convenience of tourists. The capacity of this frisking booth is three times more than the old frisking booth.

Sub-District Hospital

A sub-district hospital with a capacity of 50 beds and the facility of a trauma center will be built at a cost of Rs 81 crore to provide better healthcare facilities to the residents and tourists of Ekta Nagar.

Kamalam Park

Kamalam Park, built at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore, is a nursery of dragon fruit, known as 'Kamalam' in India, with a digital orientation center to educate visitors and farmers about the benefits of this fruit and its cultivation methods. 91,000 lotus saplings have also been kept here for distribution to the people.

Sahakar Bhavan

The Gujarat State Co-operative Bank Ltd. built Sahakar Bhavan at an expenditure of Rs 81 crore. This building has a guest house with accommodation for a total of 360 persons, an auditorium with seating capacity of about 300 persons, and a conference room with a capacity of 35 persons with video conferencing facility.

Ekta Skill Development Center

Ekta Skill Development Center has been established by GMR Varalakshmi Foundation to train people in various courses, including E-Auto Driver, Light Motor Vehicle Driver, Housekeeping and Room Attendant, Assistant Electrician, Front Office Associate, Computer/Data Entry Operator, Assistant Beauty Therapist, Food and Beverages Steward, Mason Mason, and Tourist Guide.

These new projects will further boost the tourism and development of Ekta Nagar.

As the world eagerly awaits the commencement of the Cricket World Cup on 5th October, the prestigious men's Cricket World Cup trophy has made a landmark stopover at the iconic Statue of Unity. As part of its extensive global tour, the trophy made its way to Ektanagar, offering cricket enthusiasts and tourists a unique chance to witness the coveted prize firsthand.

The trophy's journey, which began earlier this year, is a testament to the sport's unifying spirit and worldwide appeal. Reaching atmospheric heights of 1.20 lakh feet above the Earth, this trophy tour has spanned notable locations in 18 countries, showcasing cricket's profound influence on a global scale.

The inclusion of the Statue of Unity in the trophy's itinerary underscores the profound connection between the sport of cricket and its power to bridge divides and bring people together. As the world gears up for the World Cup festivities, this historic visit serves as a poignant reminder of the shared passions and common bonds that transcend borders.

In a move to enhance the visitor experience at the iconic Statue of Unity, the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Regulatory Authority has introduced weekend police band performances. This initiative, set to begin from 7th October 2023, will feature the SRP Unit of Police presenting their performances every Saturday from 6 to 7 pm at the Statue of Unity premises and on Sundays at the Ekta Food Court adjacent to the Children Nutrition Park.

The decision comes as a part of the authority's continuous efforts to increase the entertainment and attraction facilities for the vast number of tourists frequenting the location. Gopal Bamania, Additional Collector of the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Regulatory Authority, highlighted Ektanagar's evolution into a global tourist destination. Under the supervision of Mukesh Puri, Chairman, and CEO Udit Agarwal, the newly introduced police band shows will be free for all visitors during the weekends.

Adding to this initiative, the authority has also decided to keep the Statue of Unity complex open on upcoming public holidays that traditionally see the monument closed. Notably, the Statue of Unity complex, which is usually closed on Mondays, will be accessible to tourists on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth anniversary on 27th November, and Christmas Day on 25th December. This decision ensures that tourists and their families can immerse in the rich heritage and attractions of the Statue of Unity even during public holidays.

V.R. Chaudhary, the Chief of the Indian Air Force, was inspired by his visit to the Statue of Unity in Rajpipla, Gujarat. Accompanied by guide, Shaheen Memon, Chaudhary was amazed by the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which stands at 182 meters tall.

During his visit to the Statue of Unity, Chaudhary viewed the exhibitions showcasing Sardar Patel's life and achievements, as well as a photo exhibition and a short film about his life and poetry. He also enjoyed the light and sound show in the premises, which depicted Sardar Patel's life story and the construction of the world's largest statue.

After his visit to the Statue of Unity, Chaudhary visited the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam, where he was informed about the technical knowledge and benefits of the dam. He also visited Arogya One and Jungle Safari, where he expressed his appreciation for the facilities and care provided to wild animals.

Chaudhary's visit to all the projects, including the Statue of Unity, was memorable and proved that it has become an international tourist destination. During his visit, he was presented with a replica of Sardar Patel and a coffee table book as a memento.

The Chief of the Indian Air Force expressed that his visit to the Statue of Unity was inspiring and that he was overwhelmed by the experience. His visit highlights the significance of the Statue of Unity, not just as a tourist destination, but also as a symbol of India's unity and strength.