Vav-Tharad (Gujarat), March 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil and commence tourism initiatives valued at over Rs 67 crore in North Gujarat on March 31.

This initiative is part of the state government's strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure leading up to 2026, which has been designated as 'Gujarat Tourism Year'.

The projects will be located at significant sites such as Rani ki Vav, Vadnagar, and Balaram, aiming to merge heritage preservation with modern visitor amenities and technology-enhanced experiences.

At Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan, a light and sound spectacle, alongside projection mapping, has been established at an estimated cost of around Rs 18 crore.

This installation seeks to narrate the historical tale of Queen Udayamati and highlight traditional water management techniques and architectural elements using contemporary visual technology.

Officials have indicated that this project intends to link historical heritage with modern presentation methods.

In Vadnagar, a water screen projection display has been developed at Sharmishtha Lake, estimated to cost Rs 25 crore.

This show will illustrate historical water conservation strategies and the town’s history through synchronized light and sound projected onto the water, reflecting ancient engineering techniques and local narratives.

In the Banaskantha district, about Rs 25 crore is being invested in development projects at Balaram Mahadev Temple and the adjacent Vishweshwar Mahadev Temple.

These improvements include the construction and enhancement of ghats, parking areas, entry gates, internal pathways, gazebos, and food stalls, aimed at boosting accessibility and visitor facilities while honoring the sites’ religious and environmental importance.

The state government emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader tourism enhancement plan, which entails upgrading heritage sites, improving connectivity, expanding coastal regions, and bolstering visitor services such as trained guides.

Budgetary allocations for these initiatives have been incorporated into the current financial strategy.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the state remains committed to enhancing tourism infrastructure and showcasing its heritage through modern methodologies, while Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has supervised the planning and execution through the tourism department.

An official announcement highlighted that these developments aim to protect historical sites while improving the visitor experience, representing “not only physical development but also an effort to present Gujarat’s ancient heritage to the new generation through modern technology”.

The projects will be inaugurated electronically from Vav-Tharad during the Prime Minister’s visit, with officials suggesting that this initiative is anticipated to encourage heightened tourism activities throughout the region.