PM Gati Shakti Scheme in Gujarat to Unveil 1,630 km Coastal Highway Project, Putting the Statue of Unity on Global Adventure Chart

The Gujarat government has announced an infrastructure initiative featuring a comprehensive 1,630 km coastal highway project, stretching from Umargam in the south to Narayan Sarovar in Kutch district. This ambitious Gujarat coastal corridor represents the largest coastal highway project in India that forms a crucial component of the PM Gati Shakti Scheme’s infrastructure development framework. The Gujarat coastal highway project encompasses both greenfield and brownfield development approaches, with 140 km designated as greenfield coastal area and the remaining 1,490 km comprising brownfield road expansion. The Umargam Narayan Sarovar corridor will feature a minimum width of 10 meters with three driving lanes, significantly expanding from the current road infrastructure of less than 5 meters in width.

The initial implementation of the Gati Shakti coastal highway has commenced with the first 300 km stretch covering the districts of Valsad, Navsari, Surat, and Bharuch. This phase demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing Gujarat tourism infrastructure through systematic regional connectivity enhancement. The project’s total estimated cost reaches approximately Rs. 2,400 crore, with completion anticipated within three years. Gujarat infrastructure development officials have designed the entire corridor in compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions and forest regulations, ensuring all highway points maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from High Tide Level (HTL).

A designated buffer zone along the coastal corridor will be reserved for industrial and allied activities, establishing a comprehensive coastal tourism development framework. This strategic approach aims to boost coastal tourism, transportation networks, and economic activities throughout the region. Complementing the coastal highway initiative, Gujarat has simultaneously launched an innovative 135-km eco-corridor project extending from Hafeshwar Mahadev temple to Kevadiya, home to the world’s largest statue, the Statue of Unity. This eco-tourism circuit integrates seamlessly with the broader Gujarat coastal corridor vision, creating a comprehensive tourism infrastructure network.

The eco-corridor will be constructed along natural contour lines, incorporating essential infrastructure, including cross-drainage structures, rest points, and utility installations. Forest department officials emphasize that the trail will evolve organically through natural usage patterns, supporting diverse nature-based adventure activities from hiking to ultra-distance trail running.

A senior official explained that the trail will offer breathtaking views of the Narmada River on one side and dense forest cover on the other. The forest department plans to train local youth as trail guides, enhancing visitor experiences through stories about local ecosystems, flora, fauna, and tribal traditions. The department has initiated the development of basic facilities at regular intervals for nature enthusiasts, trail runners, and hikers. Officials are simultaneously identifying local homestays and support facilities to accommodate trekkers and tourists, extending the tourism footprint beyond the Statue of Unity region.

This comprehensive approach to Gujarat infrastructure development demonstrates the state’s commitment to creating sustainable tourism corridors that preserve environmental integrity while promoting economic growth. The integration of the coastal highway project with eco-tourism initiatives under the PM Gati Shakti Scheme represents a holistic approach to regional development that balances infrastructure advancement with environmental conservation. The successful implementation of both projects is expected to position Gujarat as a premier destination for coastal tourism in India, while simultaneously strengthening the state’s economic infrastructure and connectivity networks.