Ekta Nagar: Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana is currently on a two-day study tour of Gujarat, accompanied by a senior official delegation. The objective of the visit is to explore Gujarat’s iconic urban infrastructure and architectural projects, with an eye on replicating successful models for the development of Capital Amaravati.

On his arrival in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Narayana received a cordial welcome from Gujarat’s protocol officers. Along with APCRDA Commissioner K. Kannababu, ADC Chairperson D. Lakshmi Parthasarathy, and Greening Corporation MD Srinivasulu, the team proceeded to Ekta Nagar to visit the towering 597-ft Statue of Unity. The group examined the advanced construction methods, engineering practices, and materials used in creating the monument. L&T representatives and Gujarat government officials offered a comprehensive briefing on the project.

As Andhra Pradesh plans to erect statues of iconic state leaders such as former CM N.T. Rama Rao in Amaravati, the delegation also studied the infrastructure and tourism amenities surrounding the Statue of Unity. Minister Narayana emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to gain insights into how large-scale, visionary projects are brought to life through effective planning and execution, adding that Gujarat provides exemplary models.

Later, the delegation visited GIFT City—India’s first operational Smart City and global financial hub—located on Ahmedabad’s outskirts. Spanning 860 acres, GIFT City features SEZs and top corporate offices. The team evaluated its urban planning framework and economic zone integration.

The tour also included stops at CEPT University, Sports City, and the Sabarmati Riverfront, which are regarded as benchmarks in sustainable urban development and modern city planning.