Ahmed abad/New Delhi, August 24(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Gujarat on August 25–26, where he will dedicate and inaugurate a series of development projects worth more than ₹5,400 crore across urban infrastructure, energy, roads and railways. The visit will also mark two historic milestones in India’s electric mobility and green energy journey.

Big Push for Infrastructure

On August 25 evening, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones at Khodaldham Ground, Ahmedabad. Among the highlights are railway projects worth over ₹1,400 crore, including doubling of the Mahesana–Palanpur rail line, gauge conversion on the Kalol–Kadi–Katosan and Bechraji–Ranuj stretches, and the launch of new passenger and freight train services to boost regional connectivity, tourism and industrial logistics.

Complementing this focus on seamless travel, road projects to widen the Viramgam–Khudad–Rampura stretch and construct six-lane vehicle underpasses and an overbridge on major state highways will be inaugurated. These projects are expected to streamline commuter movement, ease traffic congestion and reinforce the state’s industrial growth corridors.

Power and Urban Projects

In the energy sector, the Prime Minister will inaugurate power distribution projects worth over ₹1,000 crore under Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited. These initiatives will modernize power supply networks and significantly reduce breakdowns, ensuring resilience even during adverse weather.

Urban development projects will be another focus area, with redevelopment of slums at Ramapir No Tekro under PMAY (Urban), road-widening on the Sardar Patel Ring Road, and water-sewerage infrastructure upgrades for Ahmedabad. Additionally, new administrative infrastructure — including a modern Stamps and Registration office in Ahmedabad and a State Data Storage Centre at Gandhinagar — will be launched to enhance citizen services and e-governance capabilities.

Day Two: Historic EV Milestones

On August 26, all eyes will turn to Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant near Ahmedabad, where Prime Minister Modi will dedicate two landmark initiatives. He will flag off Suzuki’s maiden global Battery Electric Vehicle, the “e VITARA”, manufactured in India for export to over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan. With India now designated as Suzuki’s global EV manufacturing hub, the development underscores the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative on the world stage.

In a parallel milestone for Aatmanirbharta in green energy, the Prime Minister will inaugurate localized production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant. The joint venture of Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki is set to ensure that more than 80% of the EV battery value chain is now produced in India, marking a new era in domestic clean energy manufacturing.

A Vision for Connectivity and Sustainability

The projects showcase the government’s multi-sectoral vision: improved urban living standards, modernized infrastructure, a robust power distribution network, and pioneering strides in sustainable mobility. Together, they reflect Gujarat’s emergence as a key hub for innovation, connectivity, and industrial strength — and India’s ambition to lead the global clean energy transition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar