Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has allocated ₹24,400 crore for the Roads and Buildings Department in the latest budget presented today, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost infrastructure development across the state.

A provision of ₹604 crore has been made for developing roads that connect tourist places, important religious sites, eco-tourism destinations, and Ektanagar with the tourist circuit.

To enhance the state’s core road network, ₹372 crore has been allocated for improvement, upgradation, widening, and strengthening of roads.

Similarly, ₹594 crore has been set aside for roads linking industrial and quarry areas, while ₹210 crore is dedicated to improving and strengthening coastal roads, along with structural and road safety-related works.

To improve road connectivity between taluka to taluka, the budget includes a ₹1,180 crore provision. Additionally, ₹910.51 crore has been earmarked for resurfacing rural roads, main district roads, and other district roads that have not been resurfaced in seven years.

The government has also allocated ₹530 crore for the Pragati Path Yojana and ₹212 crore for the construction of overbridges at railway crossings under the Phatakmukta Abhiyan.

The Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana has received a substantial allocation of ₹5,400 crore, while ₹600 crore has been set aside for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

In tribal areas, ₹123.25 crore has been allocated under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana-2 for paved roads and bridges connecting villages to schools and primary health centers.

Provision of ₹120 crore for the construction of 1,680 residential quarters of various categories in Gandhinagar, with an estimated cost of ₹374 crore. Additionally, ₹75 crore has been set aside for 1,183 new locations, and ₹180 crore has been allocated for the performance-based repair and maintenance of state-owned highways.

A ₹500 crore provision has been made for road and infrastructure development under the Road and Buildings Department for the Surat Economic Region (SER), with an estimated total project cost of ₹4,200 crore.

Additional key allocations include:

• ₹650 crore for the construction of climate-resilient roads and bridges using advanced technology, with an estimated total cost of ₹1,000 crore.
• ₹520 crore for the development of new expressways.
• ₹500 crore for the Garvi Gujarat High-Speed Corridor Project.

Two new expressways to be built

The proposed expressway network will create new opportunities for professionals, farmers, and industries, playing a significant role in realizing the vision of a Developed Gujarat, said an official release.

This development will create a road network, featuring over 10,000 km of 4-lane and 6-lane highways and more than 3,500 km of 6-lane highways. The expressway network will not only enhance Gujarat’s internal connectivity but also extend links to North India by connecting Saurashtra and North Gujarat through Rajasthan.

The expressway network will connect district headquarters, major ports, and key industrial hubs, ensuring efficient logistics, fast-tracked trade, and enhanced regional mobility.

Deesa – Pipavav Expressway: Connecting North Gujarat with Saurashtra

The Gujarat government will construct one of the state’s longest expressways, linking Deesa with Pipavav. More than just a transportation project, this expressway aims to unlock the economic potential of North Gujarat and Saurashtra, fostering agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth.

Connecting Banaskantha, Patan, Surendranagar, Botad, and Amreli districts, this corridor will become a lifeline for Gujarat’s progress. The Deesa-Pipavav Expressway, particularly around Amreli and Surendranagar, has the potential to spur the development of new industrial hubs.

Additionally, it will boost agro-related commercial and economic activities in key locations such as Palanpur and Deesa in North Gujarat.

Ahmedabad – Rajkot Expressway: Connecting Dwarka, Porbandar, and Somnath

This expressway will provide seamless, high-speed connectivity between two of Gujarat’s major economic hubs. The Ahmedabad-Rajkot Expressway will emerge as a key industrial and manufacturing corridor. Sanand’s thriving auto sector will benefit from improved logistics and supply chain efficiency. Rajkot’s SME sector, particularly tool and machine manufacturing units, will experience significant expansion.

Surendranagar’s MSME sector will gain connectivity with major economic hubs. From Rajkot, the expressway network will extend to Gujarat’s sacred cultural and religious pilgrimage sites, including Porbandar, Dwarka, and Somnath. This direct connectivity will boost tourism.

Furthermore, the expressway network will strengthen strategic port connectivity, unlocking industrial opportunities in Saurashtra. DeshGujarat