Kevadia, Oct 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday to lead the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia, home to the iconic Statue of Unity.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will arrive in Ekta Nagar on Thursday evening and flag off electric buses, besides inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a range of infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹1,140 crore.
On Friday, the Prime Minister will pay floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations, commemorating the Iron Man of India. He will also interact with Officer Trainees of the 100th Common Foundation Course under Aarambh 7.0, themed “Reimagining Governance.”
The government said the projects at Ekta Nagar are designed to enhance tourist experience, boost eco-tourism, and support green mobility in the region surrounding the Statue of Unity.
Among the key inaugurations are the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, the Hospitality District (Phase-I) at Garudeshwar, E-Bus Charging Depot, 25 Electric Buses, Narmada Ghat Extension, and Smart Bus Stops (Phase-II). The PM will also lay the foundation stone for projects including the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, Veer Balak Udyan, and Jetty Development near Shoolpaneshwar Ghat.
A special commemorative ₹150 coin and postal stamp will be released to mark Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
During the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, contingents from BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and state police forces will participate. Highlights include a BSF contingent with Indian dog breeds like Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, Assam Police’s motorcycle daredevils, and the BSF’s camel-mounted band.
The parade will also honour gallantry medal recipients from CRPF and BSF for bravery in anti-Naxal and counter-terror operations, including those involved in Operation Sindoor.
Ten thematic tableaux from across India including from Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Puducherry will showcase the theme “Unity in Diversity.” The celebrations will culminate with a grand cultural performance by 900 artists, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and diversity.