The funds will particularly support improvements to roads leading to key tourism sites in South Gujarat, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The initiative focuses on upgrading and widening roads connecting important tourist destinations, making travel easier and faster for residents from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat to the scenic forests and attractions of South Gujarat. Several roads across these districts will be expanded, with some stretches upgraded to four-lane and six-lane highways. Bypass roads will also be constructed in select towns to reduce traffic congestion.

India’s tourism sector experienced a strong recovery in 2024, with foreign tourist arrivals reaching 99.5 lakh and total international visits hitting 2.05 crore, representing a 14.85 per cent increase compared to 2019. Within this context, Gujarat emerged as the third most visited state by foreign tourists. This growth reflects efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to promote Gujarat’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern attractions globally, the release stated.

The development of the Mora-Suvali Beach Road in Surat will enhance access to Suvali Beach, a growing tourist destination with its annual Suvali Beach Festival attracting many visitors. Previously widened to 10 metres under the Coastal Highway project, this road will now be upgraded to four lanes to accommodate increasing tourist numbers and stimulate local economic activity.

The historic Ahmedabad-Dandi Heritage Route, connecting villages such as Kadrama, Erthan, Takrama, and Sandhiyer, will also be widened from approximately three metres to seven metres, enhancing traffic flow and visitor experience along this significant route of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March.

In Valsad district, a causeway will be constructed from Umarsadi to the Kolak River along the Coastal Highway, which connects Valsad with Daman. This scenic route, linking tourist spots including Daman, Udvada Agiyari, and the Umarsadi Walkway Bridge, will see the existing 10-metre road expanded into a four-lane highway to improve travel speed and convenience.

Dang district’s state highway between Waghai and Ahwa will be upgraded to four lanes, enhancing access to tribal and forested areas. This road connects several villages with the district headquarters and provides access to religious and tourist sites such as Shabari Dham, Pampa Sarovar, Agni Kund, Pandava Caves, as well as Don Hill Station, Mahal Camp Site, Devni Mal Camp Site, and Saputara Hill Station. It also links the Statue of Unity to Saputara, allowing visitors faster travel to these destinations.

The Chikhli-Khergam-Dharampur road will similarly be converted into a four-lane highway, improving connectivity to Dharampur and Wilson Hills, especially during the monsoon.

South Gujarat features numerous eco-tourism and pilgrimage sites, including the Kevdi Eco-Tourism Site (Mandvi), Padamdungri Eco-Tourism Site (Dolvan), Unai Temple (Vansda), Waghai Botanical Garden, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gira Waterfall. With enhanced road infrastructure, these sites are expected to attract more visitors and create employment opportunities for local communities, supporting the government’s vision of inclusive growth and regional development.