Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday pointed to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad as a prime example of how political will can transform urban landscapes for public good. He made these remarks while inaugurating and laying foundation stones for development projects worth a total of Rs 957 crore for the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).
Vision and Determination for Public Development
Addressing the gathering, CM Patel emphasized that realizing large-scale development projects requires clear vision and firm determination. He cited the transformation along the Sabarmati as a benchmark. "You have all seen the Riverfront in Ahmedabad… It is an example of political will," Patel stated. He elaborated that the project's success involved sensitively handling rehabilitation. "There are thousands of slums along the river but you can only develop when you have shifted them, allotted them homes… No one was crushed in the name of development," he said, underscoring the BJP government's approach.
Massive Budget Growth and Focus on Quality
The Chief Minister highlighted the monumental growth in Gujarat's urban development budget to illustrate the state's progress. He noted that the budget has skyrocketed from Rs 500 crore in 2005—when the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi initiated the 'Urban Development Year'—to a staggering Rs 30,000 crore at present. Patel stressed that this financial muscle must be matched by an unwavering commitment to quality in execution.
"Gujarat has ranked first in finance management… So, if you do quality work, you will not only have peace for five years but you will also have surplus money," he advised the VMC officials. He contrasted the present ease of executing projects with the past bureaucratic hurdles, noting that even corporators can now get work worth crores done efficiently.
Key Projects Launched in Vadodara
The suite of projects launched and initiated covers critical urban infrastructure. The foundation stone was laid for several works, including:
- Multiple road projects (some work orders for which were issued in October).
- The Vadodara Urban Haat and Exhibition Center, to be built at a cost of Rs 35 crore.
- 17 water supply projects collectively worth Rs 255 crore.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister inaugurated drainage projects worth Rs 231 crore and laid the foundation for additional drainage projects worth Rs 74 crore on the same day.
Beyond the VMC event, CM Patel's schedule in Vadodara on Friday included a visit to the Gurudwara on Veer Bal Diwas and attendance at the VYO’s Global Hindu Vaishnav Prern Mahotsav event.
