Gandhinagar, March 17 (NationPress) The journey to numerous interior forest, coastal, and heritage sites in South Gujarat is on the verge of becoming significantly shorter as the Gujarat government has sanctioned approximately Rs 1,185 crore for road improvements under the Surat Economic Region (SER) Scheme (Phase 1).

This initiative will enhance a network of roads spanning the districts of Surat, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, and Dang, with plans to widen and reinforce these routes while converting key segments into four- and six-lane corridors.

Additionally, bypass roads are set to be constructed in select urban regions to alleviate congestion and streamline traffic flow.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the upgraded infrastructure will provide faster access to remote tourist attractions, especially for travelers coming from major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat.

The enhancements will improve connectivity to various tourism circuits, including the Ahmedabad–Dandi Heritage Route, coastal areas, eco-tourism locations, and religious sites throughout South Gujarat.

As part of this plan, the Mora–Suvali Beach road in Surat will be expanded to four lanes, catering to the increasing number of visitors and supporting the annual beach festival.

The Ahmedabad–Dandi Heritage Route, linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March, is set to be widened from three meters to seven meters along specific stretches, thereby improving traffic movement while ensuring access to historically significant areas.

In the Valsad district, a causeway will be constructed along the coastal highway connecting Umarsadi and the Kolak River, linking Valsad with Daman and passing through picturesque coastal landscapes and vital cultural landmarks, including Udvada.

The existing road will be transformed into a four-lane corridor, while connectivity in the Dang district, known for its lush forests and tribal communities, will also be enhanced.

The Waghai-Ahwa state highway will be upgraded to a four-lane road, granting better access to sites such as Shabari Dham, Pampa Sarovar, and the Saputara hill station.

This route additionally connects to the Statue of Unity tourism circuit. Moreover, the Chikhli–Khergam–Dharampur road will also be widened to four lanes, enhancing access to hill destinations like Wilson Hills, especially during the monsoon season when visitor numbers surge.

The government anticipates that these upgrades will bolster tourism activities and enhance connectivity for local communities.

Furthermore, it was reported that India experienced a 14.85 percent rise in foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, with Gujarat ranking third nationally in attracting international visitors.