Gujarat Highway upgrades worth Rs 1,206 crore to improve ceramic logistics, port and pilgrimage connectivity

NEW DELHI : The Central government has approved two highway upgrade projects worth around Rs 1,206 crore in Gujarat, aimed at improving connectivity, road safety and supporting regional economic and tourism activity.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari announced on Saturday (4 April) that the Chitrod–Rapar–Balasar section of National Highway-927C, spanning 57.848 Km, will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 698.78 crore.

National Highway-927C originates near Chitrod from National Highway-27, part of the Amritsar–Jamnagar corridor, and terminates near Balasar at National Highway-754K.

The corridor plays a critical role in supporting industrial logistics, particularly for the Morbi ceramic industry, as Fatehgarh serves as a key source of raw materials.

The minister stated that the strategic corridor also connects several tourist destinations, including Dholavira, Dhordo, and the ‘Road-to-Heaven.’

The upgrade is expected to improve connectivity, enhance road safety.

The project also includes a bypass for Rapar town, which will help reduce traffic in the city.

In a separate announcement, Gadkari said that the Naliya–Narayan Sarovar section of National Highway-41 in Gujarat, covering 68 Km, will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 508 crore.

The project aims to improve connectivity to Narayan Sarovar, one of the five sacred Panch-Sarovars in Hinduism, which attracts thousands of pilgrims during major fairs held in the region.

The minister noted that the upgraded stretch will also improve access to key ecological and tourism sites, including the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary and the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, thereby supporting tourism-linked economic activity in the region.

The Naliya–Narayan Sarovar upgrade will address identified accident-prone locations along the route to ensure safer and smoother travel.

The project is also expected to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between Narayan Sarovar and Mundra Port.