Ahmedabad: In a major push to strengthen Gujarat’s security framework and modernise police infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple police development projects in Ahmedabad worth over ₹202.85 crore.

Key projects include the construction of a state-of-the-art Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) building at Charodi costing ₹47.98 crore, an urban police station at Bodakdev worth ₹33.49 crore, police housing and PSI quarters at Amraiwadi Police Lines costing ₹74.62 crore, police housing at Kagadapith worth ₹39.68 crore, a dog kennel and training office at Saijpur Bogha costing ₹5.74 crore, and bungalow works for SRP Group-2 worth ₹1.34 crore. These projects aim to improve facilities for police personnel and enhance operational efficiency.

Addressing the event, Sanghavi said the day marked a significant milestone for Ahmedabad Police and the ATS, with security and housing projects worth more than ₹202 crore being launched simultaneously. He described the Gujarat ATS as a “silent force” working round the clock to ensure the safety of over 6.5 crore citizens of the state.

Emphasising various aspects of the ATS’s work, he said the ATS team has performed among the best in the country in the fight against terrorism. Not only in Gujarat but also in other states, it has played an important role in arresting accused involved in attacks. The success of the ATS in exposing “terror modules” that radicalise youth through online media is essential to safeguarding the future of the state. Be it breaking networks operating from a Punjab jail or raiding drug factories across more than 14 states such as West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, ATS personnel have made these operations successful by remaining away from their homes and families for months, he added.

Highlighting coastal security, he noted that guarding Gujarat’s 1,600-km coastline against infiltration and narcotics trafficking is a challenging task, and ATS personnel have successfully apprehended more than 75 Pakistani infiltrators along the border. He said the new ATS building would be equipped with world-class technical infrastructure to further strengthen the state’s long-term security preparedness.

Minister of State for Finance, Prisons, and Police Housing Kamlesh Patel said Gujarat follows a zero-tolerance policy against crime, terrorism, and narcotics. He credited Gujarat Police and the ATS for maintaining peace in the state and emphasised the government’s commitment to police welfare through modern housing and improved facilities.

Director General of Police K.L.N. Rao said citizen safety and police welfare remain top priorities, adding that continuous modernisation—including advanced weaponry, training, manpower, and the strengthening of specialised units like the Special Operations Group—has enhanced the effectiveness of the ATS. The foundation stone of the new ATS building marks a new chapter in Gujarat’s security preparedness, he said.

An exhibition showcasing modern police weaponry and advanced marine commando resources was also organised, along with a short film highlighting ATS operations and achievements. Several public representatives, senior police officials, civic leaders, and members of police families attended the event. DeshGujarat