Gandhinagar, March 17: If you reside in major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, or Surat and seek a refreshing escape into nature this weekend, Southern Gujarat’s natural forests and tourist spots are now more accessible than ever.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has initiated significant upgrades to the roads connecting tourist destinations in Southern Gujarat. Recently, the Chief Minister allocated a substantial budget of ₹1,185 crores for the construction and upgrading of various roads in districts such as Surat, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, and Dangs as part of the Surat Economic Region (SER) scheme (Phase 1). This plan includes significant funding for roads that connect tourist attractions.
The initiative aims to widen and strengthen roads in these districts, create four and six-lane roads where necessary, and construct bypass roads in some cities. This will make travel to Southern Gujarat’s tourist spots much smoother and more enjoyable.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with a 14.85% increase in foreign tourists expected in 2024.
Gujarat has emerged prominently on India’s tourism map under CM Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, ranking third in the country for attracting the highest number of foreign tourists in 2024.
The development of the Mora-Suwali Beach Road will make it easier to reach the serene and picturesque Suwali Beach, which is becoming a significant tourist destination in Surat district. The ‘Suwali Beach Festival’ hosted here has become a major attraction. The road development will not only boost tourism activities but also accelerate economic growth in the region.
As part of Phase 1 of the Coastal Highway project, the Suwali Beach Road has been widened to 10.00 meters. This has led to an influx of thousands of tourists to enjoy the beach’s scenic views. Consequently, the Mora to Suwali Beach Road will be upgraded to a four-lane highway.
Travel along the historic Dandi route of Mahatma Gandhi will also become easier. This road connects the villages of Kaderama, Erathaan, Takrama, Bhatgam, Mohammadpura, Gola, and Sandhiyer along the Ahmedabad-Dandi Heritage route. The road will be widened from three meters to seven meters, easing traffic and making visits to this historic route more convenient.
In Valsad district, a causeway will be constructed from Umarasadi to the Kolak River on the Coastal Highway, a vital road linking Valsad and Daman. This picturesque road connects various tourist spots, including Daman, Udvada Agiyari, and the Umarasadi Walkway Bridge. The existing 10-meter road will be expanded to a four-lane highway.
The remote tribal-dominated Dangs district will now feel closer. Visitors can quickly reach this confluence of nature and culture to witness its natural beauty.
The state highway from Waghai to Ahwa connects other villages in Dangs district to the district headquarters. This highway is crucial for tourism, linking sacred sites like Shabari Dham, Pampa Sarovar, Agnikund, and Pandav Caves, as well as tourist spots like Don Hill Station, Mahal Camp Site, Devinamal Camp Site, Saputara Hill Station, and the Statue of Unity. This road will also be upgraded to a four-lane highway, allowing quicker access to remote tourist destinations.
The road from Chikhli through Khergam to Dharampur will be expanded to a four-lane highway, making travel to Dharampur even easier. This upgrade will ensure quicker access to tourist spots like Dharampur and Wilson Hill, especially during the monsoon season.
Southern Gujarat is a region rich in natural beauty and greenery. It boasts numerous tourist spots and pilgrimage sites that offer tranquility and peace. Locations such as the Kevdi Eco-Tourism Site (Mandvi), Padmadungri Eco-Tourism Site (Dolvan), Unai Temple (Vansda), Waghai Botanical Garden, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gira Waterfall attract large crowds eager to experience nature’s unparalleled beauty.
To enhance the experience for tourists visiting these sites and to elevate tourism development through improved infrastructure and connectivity, the Chief Minister has allocated significant funds for infrastructure development in Southern Gujarat. These government efforts will not only develop tourist sites but also create employment opportunities for local residents, fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’
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