Japan K. Pathak, Gandhinagar: Gujarat witnessed significant progress across infrastructure, transportation, industry, energy, urban development, and public services during April 2026, with multiple projects being launched, approved, or reaching key milestones. From expressways and highways to ports, industrial parks, public transport, renewable energy, and tourism infrastructure, the month reflected the state’s continued focus on economic growth and connectivity.

Strong Economic Indicators

The state’s economic momentum remained strong as Gujarat reported a robust 44 per cent year-on-year growth in GST collections in April 2026, indicating healthy industrial activity and consumption trends.

The automobile sector also recorded impressive growth, with vehicle retail sales rising 39 per cent year-on-year in March, the figures for which were released in April, significantly outperforming the national average. Meanwhile, cooperative dairy giant Amul crossed the landmark ₹1 lakh crore brand turnover mark, registering 11 per cent annual growth.

Major Road and Expressway Developments

One of the biggest developments during the month was the opening of the Godhra–Vadodara section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway on a trial basis. The newly operational stretch has substantially reduced travel time between the two cities to around 45 minutes, according to commuters. The section has also been integrated into navigation systems, with mapping platforms now displaying the route for public use.

Further strengthening connectivity, the National Highways Authority of India announced plans for a six-lane greenfield highway connecting Ahmedabad directly to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The Union Government also approved major highway upgrades, including:

• ₹508 crore for the improvement of a 68-km stretch of NH-41.
• ₹698.78 crore for the upgradation of NH-927C.
• ₹132.51 crore for a Road Over Bridge project at Kandla Port.

The Gujarat government approved ₹3,400 crore for the strengthening and upgrading of approximately 5,700 km of roads across the state. Additionally, Gujarat has begun shifting towards performance-linked contracts for road construction and maintenance projects.

The Narmada Canal Bridge on the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar corridor is also set to be widened to 12 lanes to address increasing traffic volumes.

Ports, Logistics and Maritime Sector Expansion

The maritime sector recorded several major milestones.

Deendayal Port Authority emerged as India’s top major port after handling a record 160.11 million tonnes of cargo during FY 2025-26.

The port also:

• Conducted India’s first-ever methanol bunkering operation.
• Set a record for the largest shipment of wind turbine blades.
• Advanced plans to expand its green hydrogen production facility capacity from 1 MW to 10 MW.

The Gujarat government also invited bids for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed new ports at Dahej and Mahuva.

Industrial and Manufacturing Investments

Gujarat continued to attract large-scale industrial investments. Steel major ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India commissioned a 2 million tonnes per annum steel production line at Hazira.

Engineering manufacturer Ace Designers inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad, with plans to produce up to 4,000 machines annually.

The state government approved approximately ₹1,600 crore worth of investments across 23 industrial units, while the Centre notified a 66-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for the proposed Tata Semiconductor facility in Dholera.

Another major development was the signing of an MoU for an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Park in the Sanand–Dholera region, expected to boost high-tech manufacturing and supply chain ecosystems.

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Push

Gujarat further strengthened its position as a clean energy hub. Waaree Energies commissioned a 3,000 MW solar module manufacturing plant in the state.

L&T Energy GreenTech signed an agreement to supply 300,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia from Kandla to Japanese trading giant ITOCHU Corporation.

Meanwhile, Gujarat was among four states identified by the Centre for setting up Critical Mineral Processing Parks, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening India’s clean energy and manufacturing supply chains.

Urban Development and Smart City Projects

Several major urban development initiatives advanced during April. The state government announced plans to develop a Vatrak Riverfront project in Mahemdavad, inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront model.

The GIFT City expansion received approval, with plans to add 161 acres through riverfront reclamation and government land allocation.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation invited tenders for a ₹522-crore City Square project on Sindhu Bhavan Road and initiated the auction process for premium land parcels in Bodakdev and Motera with a combined base value exceeding ₹260 crore.

The GIFT City–Shahpur Metro corridor also moved forward with a ₹290 crore tender for the construction of viaducts and three metro stations.

Public Transport and Railway Infrastructure

Public transportation infrastructure received a major boost. The Gujarat government approved 17 new bus routes across three cities and introduced a QR code-based passenger feedback system across GSRTC buses.

Ahmedabad is set to receive four additional double-decker AC electric buses, expanding its sustainable public transport fleet.

Railway infrastructure also witnessed significant developments:

• Ahmedabad Division is expected to operationalise an Integrated Control Centre by June 2026.
• Optical fibre networks will be laid across 1,456 route kilometres in Ahmedabad Division.
• The Railway Ministry approved a new Bhuj–Delhi train via Pali Marwar, scheduled to be launched in May.
• Vande Bharat services originating from Gujarat have transported over 73 lakh passengers and generated around ₹722 crore in revenue over the last three-and-a-half years.

Water Resources and Flood Management

Large-scale water infrastructure projects also progressed. The ₹139 crore Phase-I flood control works in the Ghed region continued at full pace.

Water from the Tapi–Karjan Link Lift Irrigation Scheme successfully reached the Karjan River, marking a significant milestone for irrigation infrastructure in central Gujarat.

Construction work began on a 40-km Narmada pipeline that will supply water to the upcoming Jambusar Bulk Drug Park.

Vapi is set to receive a new 46 MLD water filtration plant designed to meet drinking water requirements for the next three decades.

Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Projects

Tourism infrastructure also expanded considerably. The newly opened Forum Hotel & Convention Centre in Ahmedabad added 387 rooms and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom to the city’s hospitality inventory.

Hospitality chains announced new projects, including:

• A new Lemon Tree hotel near Ekta Nagar.
• The Fern’s Desert Inn Beacon project in the Rann of Kutch.

The Gujarat government also announced plans for a new zoo within Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, while Junagadh approved pre-wedding photography and cultural events at the historic Narsinh Mehta Lake precinct.

Gujarat Science City initiated plans to upgrade its thrill ride attractions with advanced 3D technology.

Healthcare and Social Infrastructure

Healthcare infrastructure also witnessed expansion plans. New ESIC hospitals in Kalol and Sanand are targeted for completion by 2027.

In Vadodara, a library and yoga centre are planned at Harni Sculpture Park, while a new district court complex received land approval in Surat.

The Vankar Seva Sangh inaugurated a ₹7 crore Gyan Bhavan in Chandkheda, creating new educational and community infrastructure.

Aviation and Regional Connectivity

Regional air connectivity continued to improve. Star Air launched direct services between Surat and Mundra, while Vadodara Airport moved towards introducing air taxi connectivity linking cities such as Bhuj, Diu, and Porbandar.

Surat Airport is also expected to receive duty-free shopping facilities in the near future.

Major Corporate and Institutional Developments

Other notable developments included the approval of restructuring within the GSPC Group, under which Gujarat Gas is proposed to be renamed Gujarat Energy Limited, and the restarting of Tata Power’s 4,150 MW Mundra power plant after a nine-month shutdown.

Other key developments included Vantara launching what it described as the world’s first global university dedicated to wildlife and veterinary sciences, and the Surat Diamond Bourse reporting customs trade worth ₹42,636 crore during FY 2025-26.

April 2026: A Month of Accelerated Development

With expressways opening, metro projects progressing, ports setting national records, industrial investments flowing into manufacturing clusters, and multiple urban infrastructure projects moving ahead, April 2026 emerged as one of the most active months for Gujarat’s development landscape. The developments underline the state’s continued efforts to strengthen connectivity, attract investment, expand clean energy capacity, and enhance urban as well as social infrastructure across regions. DeshGujarat