Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken an innovative approach to inaugurate thirty new electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. On September 12, 2026, he presented development projects worth Rs. 1,848 crore to the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, signalling a significant step in enhancing urban public transport.

Patel embarked on this initiative by riding as a common passenger onboard an e-bus, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, local MLAs from Gandhinagar, and the Mayor along with other officials. This unique method showcased the chief minister’s commitment to understanding the public transport experience directly.

After officially flagging off the e-buses intended for public use, both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister journeyed together from the inauguration site to the Ministers’ Residential Complex in one of the newly launched buses. This initiative was aimed at highlighting the government’s engagement in sustainable transportation.

Collaboration with Aga Khan Development Network

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), for a courtesy visit in Gandhinagar. The discussion focused on potential collaborations between the state government and the AKDN for grassroots development initiatives.

During their meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the alignment of the AKDN’s goals with Gujarat’s developmental strategies. These include sustainable initiatives, education, skill development, and supporting vulnerable communities, all of which are crucial components of Gujarat’s approach to holistic development.

Water conservation emerged as a focal point during their discussions, with the Chief Minister elaborating on the state’s extensive efforts in this domain. Initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the rejuvenation of water bodies were highlighted as significant steps towards sustainable practices.

Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

In the context of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister shared the state’s efforts to create a supportive ecosystem for women. Thousands of women have benefited from training programmes aimed at enterprise development, enabling them to establish micro-enterprises and achieve economic independence.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed a keen interest in enhancing grassroots collaboration with Gujarat’s government, indicating a shared commitment to partnering in sustainable development efforts. The discussion aimed at addressing both parties’ complementary strengths to foster people-centric initiatives that are beneficial for local communities.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, Mamta Verma, and the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar, were present during the meeting, further building on strategic partnerships to achieve the developmental objectives set forth by both the state and the Aga Khan Development Network.

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