Viramgam, Jan 1 (NationPress) In a bold move to usher in the New Year with a focus on development, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on January 1 initiated the groundwork for infrastructure projects totaling Rs 497 crore within the Viramgam Assembly constituency, which includes the areas of Viramgam, Mandal, and Detroj talukas.

The initiatives encompass road infrastructure, railway connectivity, and overbridges, all aimed at enhancing regional growth and connectivity.

During a significant public address, the Chief Minister conveyed that the Mandal-Becharaji-Viramgam corridor, previously marked by limited resources, dependence on rainfall for agriculture, and youth migration for jobs, has now evolved into a Special Investment Region (SIR) and a burgeoning auto hub under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Patel remarked, "The Prime Minister’s dedication to uplifting the most marginalized and the guiding principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas has established new milestones of development nationwide."

He emphasized that enhanced road infrastructure and connectivity would provide new direction and increased momentum to regional development.

Pointing out Gujarat’s sustained growth trajectory, the Chief Minister highlighted that ongoing infrastructure development under the "double-engine government" has positioned the state as India's growth engine.

In the past three years, projects worth Rs 488 crore have been completed to enhance connections to the Mandal-Becharaji SIR. New highways, four-lane roads, and railway overbridges are set to significantly facilitate transport and stimulate industrial activity.

Patel noted that the construction of the railway overbridge at Kokta Phatak will finally eliminate a longstanding traffic congestion issue, saving time and fuel for nearly 100,000 commuters.

He referenced the national infrastructure advancements, stating that India’s highway construction rate has surged from 12 km per day before 2014 to 34 km per day presently.

The Gujarat government has also earmarked Rs 10,000 crore for the Namo Shakti Expressway and 12 high-speed corridors covering 1,155 km.

The Chief Minister encouraged citizens to prioritize cleanliness alongside rapid industrial progress, asserting that hygiene should become a collective practice.

Viramgam MLA Hardik Patel stated that the newly initiated projects would benefit not just locals but also pilgrims visiting Becharaji and Shankheshwar.

He acknowledged that over the last three years, development projects exceeding Rs 2,500 crore have been implemented in the Viramgam area, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for his ongoing attention to inclusive development.

During the event, as part of the Suposhit Gujarat Abhiyan, the Chief Minister distributed millet baskets to anganwadi workers, reinforcing the state’s dedication to nutritional improvement.

The launch ceremony featured remarks from senior officials of the Roads and Buildings Department. The projects announced include the Rs 285-crore Viramgam Municipality-Mandal-Dasada Road, the Rs 91-crore Raiyapur Overbridge in Viramgam, resurfacing the Vitthalapur-Detroj-Kadi Road (Rs 55 crore), Thori Mubarak-Liya-Vansva Road (Rs 39 crore), Karkathal-Hansalpur Road (Rs 12 crore), new circuit houses at Detroj and Viramgam, a sub-registrar office at Detroj, and the Sachana Bypass Road, among others.

Senior officials, elected representatives, local leaders, and numerous citizens attended the event, showcasing robust public involvement in the region’s developmental journey.