Gandhinagar, March 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat for a one-day trip on Tuesday, March 31, to dedicate several railway projects worth 891 crore rupees to the people of the state. These projects, under the Ministry of Railways, are designed to strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic activities, and enhance transportation facilities for passengers.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate these projects from Vav-Tharad in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of a 55-kilometer new railway line from Himmatnagar to Khedbrahma, which has been constructed at a cost of 482 crore rupees. This project is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the Sabarkantha district, providing a direct link between Ahmedabad and Udaipur while ensuring faster and more affordable travel for the public.

The new railway infrastructure is anticipated to increase access to essential services such as healthcare and education, while also creating fresh livelihood opportunities for local communities. In addition to the Himmatnagar-Khedbrahma line, the Prime Minister will dedicate the 27-kilometer Kanalus-Jamnagar doubling project, built at a cost of 257 crore rupees, and the 11-kilometer Gandhidham-Adipur multitracking project. These initiatives aim to make train movement faster and more efficient, particularly for the movement of goods to major industrial hubs and Deendayal Port.

The development projects are also expected to play a vital role in boosting local tourism. During the program, the Prime Minister will flag off a new train service running from Khedbrahma to Ahmedabad via Himmatnagar. This new service is intended to make travel more convenient for the residents of the region and provide a boost to local economic development.

These efforts are part of a broader vision to modernize Indian Railways and make it more efficient. By ensuring connectivity to remote areas and enriching the overall travel experience, these initiatives aim to promote inclusive growth and strengthen the Indian economy.

Gandhinagar - The Gujarat government has approved road development works worth Rs 1,185 crore across five districts of South Gujarat as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen logistics connectivity and support the long-term growth of the Surat Economic Region. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cleared twenty-four projects aimed at widening and improving approximately 383 kilometers of roads in the districts of Surat, Tapi, Valsad, Navsari, and Dang.

These infrastructure initiatives are designed to enhance connectivity among industrial clusters, ports, and logistics centers in the area, facilitating their integration into global supply chains, as per agency report. The projects fall under a broader development framework centered around the Surat Economic Region, which the government intends to model after major international trade hubs such as Dubai and Guangzhou. The overarching goal is to solidify the role of Surat in international trade by bridging the gap between manufacturing centers and global markets.

Among the five districts, Surat has been allocated the largest share of the funds, receiving Rs 631 crore, which underscores its central position in the industrial and economic activities of the region. Valsad district has been granted Rs 264 crore, while the remaining funds will be utilized for projects in Navsari, Tapi, and Dang. These road development efforts are closely aligned with the economic master plan prepared by NITI Aayog for the Surat Economic Region.

The master plan, initiated in Surat about seventeen months ago, outlines a long-term strategy to transform the city and its neighboring districts into a prominent economic hub by the year 2047. When the plan was formulated in 2024, Chief Minister Patel described it as a reflection of the state commitment to visionary, dynamic, and inclusive development, serving as a vital component in nation-building rather than just a basic blueprint.

The industrial profile of South Gujarat played a crucial role in its selection as one of the four pilot city regions across the country for the economic master plan. Surat is globally recognized for its textile manufacturing and diamond cutting industries, while the surrounding districts host a diverse range of sectors including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, agro-processing, and small-scale manufacturing. Bharuch features a robust base in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, whereas Navsari is noted for agriculture, food processing, and small-scale production. Tapi engages in agro-processing, paper manufacturing, and dairy activities. Valsad combines chemical industries with trade and tourism, while the predominantly forested and tribal district of Dang relies primarily on farming, forest produce, and basic services.

The government is focusing on fortifying infrastructure to encourage economic diversity and balanced regional development. Recognizing that well-connected coastal and inland regions are emerging as significant global trade centers, the state is prioritizing logistics and transport connectivity. The region already benefits from extensive transportation facilities, including expressways, railway networks, ports, an international airport, and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. Together, these elements create a massive logistics network that links manufacturing hubs directly to ports and consumer markets.

Looking ahead, the state government has identified sustainable agriculture, real estate, tourism, information technology, and logistics as potential sectors for future expansion in the area. Officials estimate the current per capita gross domestic product of South Gujarat to be around 4,600 US dollars. Through continuous investments in infrastructure and industrial expansion under this long-term strategy, the government aims to elevate this figure to over 45,000 US dollars by 2047.

Ahmedabad, December 30. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organization (IAIRO) to foster research and development in the field of artificial intelligence. This significant decision was taken on Tuesday to set up the center under a public-private partnership model involving a tripartite collaboration between the state government, the central government, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

The initiative has been undertaken under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister to accelerate the national AI ecosystem and boost research efforts. As per agency report, the IAIRO will commence operations as a Special Purpose Vehicle from January 1 at GIFT City near Gandhinagar. It will be constituted as a non-profit institution under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

A budget of approximately Rs 300 crore has been allocated for the first five years of the project. The funding structure involves an equal contribution of 33.33 percent each from the state government, the central government, and the private partner. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance has joined as the principal private partner and will contribute Rs 25 crore for the year 2025-26. The alliance comprises about 23 major pharmaceutical companies, including Cipla, Torrent Pharma, and Sun Pharma.

This initiative by Gujarat aligns with the objectives of the India AI Mission of the Union Ministry of Information Technology and the AI Action Plan of the state government's Department of Science and Technology. The core activities of IAIRO will encompass advanced research and development, the creation of AI-based products, and the promotion of collaboration among educational institutions, industries, and startups. Additionally, the institute will focus on intellectual property creation and capacity building.

New Delhi, October 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday to lead the celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia. As per agency report, the Prime Minister will arrive at Ekta Nagar on Thursday evening, where he will flag off electric buses and inaugurate or lay the foundation stones for various infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.

On Friday, Modi will pay floral tribute at the Statue of Unity and participate in the National Unity Day celebrations being held to commemorate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. He will also interact with officer trainees of the 100th Common Foundation Course under the ‘Aarambh 7.0’ programme.

According to an official statement, the ongoing development works in Ekta Nagar are aimed at enhancing the tourism experience, improving connectivity, and promoting sustainable development initiatives in the region surrounding the world’s tallest statue. These projects, worth more than Rs 1,140 crore, reflect the government’s vision to boost eco-tourism, green transportation, smart infrastructure, and tribal development.

Among the projects to be inaugurated are the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, Hospitality District (Phase 1) in Garudeshwar, Vaman Vriksha Vatika, Satpura Protection Wall, e-bus charging depot with 25 electric buses, Narmada Ghat expansion, Kaushalya Path, the walkway from Ekta Dwar to Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan (Phase 2), smart bus stops (Phase 2), Dam Replica Fountain, and GSEC Quarters. The foundation stones will be laid for projects such as the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, Veer Balak Udyan, Sports Complex, Varsha Van Project, Godi development near Shoolpaneshwar Ghat, and installation of a travellator at the Statue of Unity.

To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin and postage stamp of Rs 150 denomination dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

On Friday, Modi will lead the National Unity Day ceremony, administer the unity pledge, and review the Unity Day parade. The parade will feature contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), along with various state police units.

This year’s parade will highlight several attractions, including the BSF marching contingent accompanied by Indian dog breeds such as Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, the Gujarat Police equestrian unit, a motorcycle daredevil display by Assam Police, and the BSF camel contingent with its camel band.

The event will also honor five CRPF personnel awarded the Shaurya Chakra and sixteen BSF personnel who received gallantry medals for their exceptional bravery during anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terrorism missions in Jammu and Kashmir. BSF soldiers who displayed valor during Operation Sindoor will also be felicitated.

The National Unity Day parade this year will include tableaux from the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and ten states and union territories—Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Puducherry—based on the theme of “Unity in Diversity.” A cultural program featuring 900 artists will showcase the richness and diversity of Indian culture through various classical dance forms.

This year’s National Unity Day celebrations hold special significance as the nation commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The seventh edition of the ‘Aarambh’ programme, themed “Reimagining Governance,” will also take place during the event, with 660 officer trainees from 16 Indian civil services and three services from Bhutan participating in the 100th Foundation Course.

Ahmedabad, October 28 The Gujarat government has appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M. K. Das as the new Chief Secretary of the state. He will take charge on October 31, succeeding Pankaj Joshi, who is set to retire on the same day.

As per agency report, Das, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the state secretariat in Gandhinagar.

An official notification issued by the Gujarat government stated that M. K. Das, presently Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, is transferred and appointed as Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat with effect from October 31.

Das has previously held several key administrative positions in the state and is regarded as an experienced officer known for his efficiency and administrative acumen. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the state focuses on accelerating governance and development initiatives under the current administration.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel:

•    Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India has maintained an excellent balance between ecology and economy.
•    Surat city and the Surat Municipal Corporation have emerged as a model in the fields of cleanliness and green mobility.
•    The ‘Municipal Green Bond Issue’ of Surat Municipal Corporation has generated significant international interest from global investors.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel ringed the bell at the Mumbai National Stock Exchange to officially list the Municipal Green Bond of Surat Municipal Corporation in the presence of Mayor Dakshesh Mavani.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that through the issuance of ₹200 crore Green Municipal Bonds, the Surat Municipal Corporation has made citizens active partners in green and sustainable development. The 8-times oversubscription of the Green Bond reflects the extraordinary enthusiasm of investors. He added that the corporation’s farsighted planning will accelerate the development of Surat city.

Highlighting the state’s commitment to achieving the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s target of Net Zero Carbon Footprint by 2070, the Chief Minister said that the state government has placed special emphasis on green growth and green mobility. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has successfully maintained a harmonious balance between ecology and economy.

He further said that during India’s G20 presidency, with the message of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, member countries also prioritized sustainable development and green growth as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister also added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to build a “Developed India by 2047.” To achieve this vision, Gujarat has launched several developmental initiatives, including the “Viksit Gujarat @ 2047” Roadmap. The Prime Minister has always emphasized people’s participation. The joint efforts of the state and central governments aim to make governance more effective and impactful.

Emphasizing that Surat city and its municipal corporation have become national role models in cleanliness and green mobility, the Chief Minister congratulated the corporation officials. He noted that for the first time in the country, internationally certified municipal green bonds have been issued through a public issue, attracting strong global investor interest. The corporation has effectively combined public participation with well-planned development strategies.

The Chief Minister remarked that “Green People’s Financing” will become an excellent example of green growth. This initiative will not only prove financially beneficial for the city but will also have a positive impact on the environment. He expressed confidence that Surat Municipal Corporation’s initiative will inspire other cities across the country.

On this occasion, Mayor Dakshesh Mavani stated that Surat’s sustainable energy initiative will be a driving example to realize the Prime Minister’s vision for development by 2047. He said, “Surat is Mini India — everyone has contributed to its development.” The city has already received around 14 different awards, and the goal is to make Surat the best green energy city in the world.

Surat Municipal Corporation has issued ₹200 crore of listed, taxable, redeemable, secured, non-convertible municipal bond debentures. The Green Bond opened on October 6, 2025, and closed on October 9, 2025. Against the demand of ₹200 crore, subscriptions worth ₹800 crore were received. Hence, the bond allocation will be done through a draw system. In the retail segment, the corporation offered 15% of the total bond amount, i.e., ₹30 crore.

Welcoming everyone, Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal stated that Surat Municipal Corporation is the first in the country to issue internationally certified Green Bonds. The amount raised through these bonds will be used for environmental conservation and green energy projects, including solar power projects, water conservation initiatives, and green transport infrastructure.

Managing Director of the National Stock Exchange, Shri Ashish Chauhan, congratulated the Government of Gujarat and the Surat Municipal Corporation for the successful listing of the Green Bonds.

The event was attended by Sujit Singh from the Government of India, eminent personality N.K. Mehta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Vikrant Pandey, and several officials and office-bearers of Surat Municipal Corporation.

Halol, September 6 – Six people were killed on Saturday when the cable of a goods-carrying ropeway snapped at the famous Pavagadh hill temple in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, a senior police officer confirmed.

Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat said that six fatalities have been reported in the incident. Police and fire brigade teams immediately rushed to the site and are carrying out relief and rescue operations.

The Pavagadh temple, located at an altitude of nearly 800 meters, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Visitors usually reach the shrine by climbing nearly 2,000 steps or by using the cable car facility.

As per agency report, officials clarified that the passenger ropeway had been closed to the general public since morning due to bad weather. The accident involved a ropeway line used for transporting goods.

The temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is one of the most revered shrines in Gujarat and draws about 2.5 million pilgrims annually. The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the holy site, and authorities are continuing rescue efforts while ensuring safety measures at the location.

New Delhi, August 8 – The Indian Army has successfully rescued ten pilgrims from Banaskantha district in Gujarat who were stranded in Dharali, Uttarakhand, following a disaster. The rescued pilgrims were transported to Rishikesh and are now on their way back to Banaskantha.

The group, residents of Chichodra village in Bhabhar taluka, had travelled to Uttarakhand on a religious pilgrimage. Communication with their families was lost on August 5 due to the disaster, causing growing concern among relatives. As per agency report, contact was re-established on August 7 at around 4 pm, allowing families to connect via video calls and breathe a sigh of relief.

Officials confirmed that the Army evacuated ten out of eleven pilgrims from the disaster-hit area by helicopter, while one pilgrim chose to continue the journey voluntarily. The region’s connectivity suffered severe disruption after a cloudburst in Dharali, which damaged roads and communication networks.

In response, the Army swiftly deployed satellite and radio relay systems, enabling stranded people to reconnect with their families through satellite internet. The Army’s Engineer Regiment also began critical repair and construction work to restore access between Dharali and Mukhwa village.

According to Uttarkashi Police, rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, fire services, and the revenue department. Stranded individuals are being airlifted to the ITBP camp in Matli, with operations continuing since morning. Authorities have confirmed that the rescue mission will go on until the entire area is cleared.

Surat, August 5 – In a groundbreaking move to reduce road accident deaths and ensure timely assistance to the injured, Gujarat Police has introduced an advanced rescue vehicle service named “Abhirakshak.” The pilot project has been launched in Ahmedabad Rural and Surat Rural districts—identified as high-accident zones following a detailed analysis of road mishap data.

The initiative was launched under the guidance of Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, with budgetary approvals in place. The procurement and implementation of these high-tech vehicles were carried out under the supervision of Gujarat Director General of Police Vikas Sahay.

Designed to provide critical help during the “golden hour” after an accident, the Abhirakshak vehicle is equipped to be the first responder at crash sites. It plays a vital role in rescuing victims trapped inside vehicles or those who have suffered severe injuries.

Each vehicle is equipped with more than 32 modern rescue tools, including oxygen cylinders, metal cutters, glass cutters, bolt cutters, telescopic ladders, stretchers, winches, and generators. For nighttime operations, the vehicle is fitted with powerful lighting systems and backup power to ensure smooth rescue operations.

Technologically, Abhirakshak also features night vision goggles, a public announcement system, traffic control blinkers, and a dedicated drone control chamber. Its fire-resistant body and crowd-safe design further enhance its operational capabilities.

Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated, “We are continuously upgrading our technological capabilities to ensure public safety. The launch of ‘Abhirakshak’ is a significant step in that direction.” Following the success of this pilot, the Gujarat government plans to deploy similar vehicles in other districts to further strengthen emergency response and save more lives in road accidents.

Gandhinagar, July 15 – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a temporary suspension of toll collection on a portion of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway due to ongoing repair work. As per agency report, toll charges on a 28.71-kilometer stretch in Package-4 of the Sanchore-Santalpur section of National Highway 754K have been waived from 8 AM on July 15 until further notice.

This decision was made to facilitate maintenance operations on the designated segment of the expressway, which falls under the Bharatmala Project—India’s strategic highway development initiative aimed at enhancing inter-regional connectivity. The Sanchore to Santalpur route, spanning 125 kilometers from Rajasthan to Gujarat’s Patan district, is part of an important economic corridor linking northern India to the western ports.

The expressway is strategically planned to boost logistical efficiency by connecting northern states with major ports such as Jamnagar, Kandla, and Mundra. This facilitates faster and more reliable import-export movement of goods, thereby strengthening India’s global trade infrastructure. The toll suspension is expected to offer temporary relief to commuters while ensuring that road quality and safety standards are maintained through timely repair work.

New Delhi, June 23 — The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) held its 12th National Students Convocation-2025 with grandeur at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. In a proud moment for Gujarat, 30 students from the CMA Surat South Gujarat Chapter were felicitated by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, for their exceptional academic achievements.

Among the awardees, Surat’s Nikita Bansal, who secured All India Rank 1 in the June 2024 CMA Intermediate exam, and Kritika Singhal, a top ranker in the December 2024 session, received special recognition. They were honored alongside 28 other meritorious students from the chapter with medals and certificates of merit.

The event was graced by the presence of CMA Kishor Waghela, Chairman of the South Gujarat Chapter, CMA Nenti Shah, Secretary of the Western India Regional Council, and committee member Mahesh Bhalala, who attended to encourage and celebrate the success of the students.

Speaking on the occasion, CMA Nenti Shah remarked, “This achievement is a result of the students’ hard work and focused guidance. The Surat South Gujarat Chapter continues to contribute exceptional CMA professionals to the nation every year — a matter of immense pride.”

The ceremony concluded with congratulatory messages and best wishes for all rank holders, highlighting a new wave of professional excellence emerging from South Gujarat.

Ahmedabad, 22 June – The Government of Gujarat has launched the Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025 with a focus on transforming the state into a global hub for electronics production. The policy, unveiled on Sunday by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported components by promoting investment exceeding Rs. 35,000 crore, facilitating swift disbursement of financial assistance, and offering incentives to projects approved by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

As per agency report, the policy ensures that all projects approved and supported by MeitY will be eligible for 100 percent central assistance if they are set up in Gujarat. An official statement noted that such projects will receive incentives from both the central and state governments through a single-window approval system, and the disbursement of assistance will be completed within 30 days.

Under the central government’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), the Gujarat policy provides an additional top-up over the central assistance and ensures timely delivery of the financial aid. Projects that receive approval under ECMS will automatically qualify for equivalent state support, with Gujarat disbursing its share within 30 days of the central release.

The policy specifically targets reducing import dependency by strengthening domestic production capacity in key areas such as multi-layer and HDI printed circuit boards, lithium-ion cells, SMD passive components, display and camera modules, and supporting machinery used in component manufacturing.

In addition to enhancing technological capabilities, the policy is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities in Gujarat’s electronics manufacturing sector by encouraging high-skill job creation. With its dual-incentive model and commitment to rapid implementation, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025 is poised to play a significant role in positioning Gujarat as a competitive and self-reliant player in the global electronics ecosystem.