In a significant move to enhance tourism infrastructure, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced an allocation of approximately Rs 1,185 crore. This funding will support the widening and upgrading of roads that connect key tourist destinations across several districts in South Gujarat. This initiative is part of Phase-1 of the Surat Economic Region (SER) plan.

The allocated funds will be directed toward road development projects in the districts of Surat, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, and Dang. A primary focus will be placed on improving access to eco-tourism locales, including the historic Ahmedabad-Dandi Heritage Route and the Parsi Tourism Circuit. The overall aim is to facilitate easier and faster travel to the scenic forests, coastal areas, and pilgrimage sites in South Gujarat, particularly benefiting residents from cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat planning weekend getaways.

Major Road Developments Planned

As part of the project, several roads will undergo widening and strengthening, with designated stretches being upgraded to four-lane and six-lane highways. Bypass roads will also be constructed in various towns to mitigate traffic congestion and improve overall traffic flow.

Further details provided in the official release indicated that the Mora-Suvali Beach Road in Surat will be upgraded to a four-lane capacity, enhancing accessibility to Suvali Beach. Additionally, the Ahmedabad-Dandi Heritage Route will be widened to facilitate a smoother travel experience along the historic path associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March.

Enhancing Connectivity to Key Tourist Destinations

In Valsad district, upgrades will include an expansion of the coastal highway that links Sanjan and Daman, along with the construction of a causeway near the Kolak River. The Waghai-Ahwa state highway in Dang district will also be converted into a four-lane road, improving access to various tourist and religious destinations such as Saputara, Shabari Dham, and Pampa Sarovar. Additionally, the Chikhli-Khergam-Dharampur road will be widened to improve connectivity to Dharampur and nearby hill stations like Wilson Hills.

Officials highlighted that the improved infrastructure is expected to increase tourist footfalls at eco-tourism destinations such as Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gira Waterfall. This initiative aims not only to enhance travel experiences but also to create employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to economic growth in the region.

Gujarat’s Position in the National Tourism Landscape

The announcement comes against the backdrop of a notable resurgence in India’s tourism sector, which has seen substantial growth under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2024, India recorded 99.5 lakh foreign tourist arrivals, while the total number of international visits rose to 2.05 crore, demonstrating a 14.85 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2019. Gujarat has established itself as the third most visited state by foreign tourists, underscoring its rising significance on the global tourism stage.

This infrastructure investment is part of a broader strategy to bolster regional development and reinforce Gujarat’s attractiveness as a premier tourism destination in India.

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