GANDHINAGAR — Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has sanctioned a massive ₹1,185 crore package to upgrade road connectivity across South Gujarat’s key tourist and pilgrimage circuits. The initiative, part of Phase-1 of the Surat Economic Region (SER) plan, aims to transform the region into a premier weekend destination for travelers from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat.

Strategic Connectivity Upgrades

The funds will be utilized for widening and strengthening roads across Surat, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, and Dang districts:

• Heritage & Culture: Widening of the historic Ahmedabad-Dandi Heritage Route and the Parsi Tourism Circuit to facilitate smoother travel for history enthusiasts.
• Coastal Access: The Mora-Suvali Beach Road in Surat will be upgraded to four lanes, while the Sanjan-Daman coastal highway in Valsad will see major expansion, including a new causeway over the Kolak River.
• Eco-Tourism & Hill Stations: The Waghai-Ahwa highway leading to Saputara and Shabari Dham will become a four-lane corridor. Additionally, connectivity to Wilson Hills via the Chikhli-Dharampur road will be significantly enhanced.

Economic and Tourism Impact

With Gujarat now ranked as the third most visited state by foreign tourists in India, the state government is prioritizing high-capacity infrastructure:

• Infrastructure Specs: Select stretches will be upgraded to four and six-lane highways, complemented by new bypass roads to eliminate urban congestion.
• Local Benefits: The project is expected to surge footfall at Vansda National Park and Gira Waterfall, creating new employment opportunities for local tribal communities in the Dang and Tapi belts.

The move aligns with a broader national trend, as India recorded over 2.05 crore international tourist visits in 2024, a nearly 15% increase over pre-pandemic levels.