Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has unveiled a major roadmap for the state&rsquo;s growth, announcing over 100 new town planning schemes for smaller towns and GIS-based development plans for 55 towns with populations of up to one lakh.
These initiatives, launched under the state&rsquo;s &ldquo;Urban Development Year&rdquo;, form a crucial part of Agenda 2035, designed to mark 75 years of Gujarat&rsquo;s formation.
Patel said the agenda, built on the theme &ldquo;Prosperous State, Empowered Citizens&rdquo;, would serve as a comprehensive framework for progress. The vision includes expanding infrastructure, fostering innovation in education and industry, boosting social and economic empowerment, and equipping youth for future technologies.
Alongside urban measures, the Chief Minister also introduced the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana, a Rs 100 crore programme aimed at upgrading villages that function as taluka headquarters but are outside municipal boundaries. The scheme will provide urban-level facilities such as healthcare, solar-powered street lighting, solid waste management, and infrastructure improvements. Patel explained that the purpose was &ldquo;to make large villages viable alternatives to cities.&rdquo;
He emphasised that both rural and urban Gujarat must move ahead in tandem, stressing that the &ldquo;double-engine government&rdquo; is central to implementing these schemes.
Highlighting Gujarat&rsquo;s strong economic position, Patel noted that the state ranks among the top large states in Net State Domestic Product, with a per capita income of Rs 1.96 lakh. He once again urged citizens to support local industries under the slogans &lsquo;Vocal for Local&rsquo; and &lsquo;Local for Global&rsquo;.
Reviewing recent achievements, the Chief Minister stated that 11 lakh houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 2.90 crore Ayushman Aarogya cards have been issued, and free food grains have reached 3.26 crore Antyodaya beneficiaries. He added that campaigns are underway to ensure all eligible citizens receive government welfare.
For tribal welfare, Patel announced a Rs 30,121 crore allocation this year under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana &ndash; 2, alongside the distribution of more than Rs 4,300 crore in scholarships for tribal students. He linked these measures with the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
He further underlined efforts to strengthen the four pillars of GYAN &mdash; Gareeb (Poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (Farmers), and Nari Shakti (Women). Patel pointed out that young entrepreneurs are leading Gujarat&rsquo;s startup ecosystem, while women&rsquo;s empowerment is advancing with five lakh Lakhpati Didis and 21% female participation in milk cooperatives.
For farmers, Patel highlighted diesel VAT relief to fishermen delivered through direct transfers.
On the infrastructure front, he announced the development of 12 Garvi Gujarat High-Speed Corridors, the Disa&ndash;Pipavav Namo Shakti Expressway, and the Somnath&ndash;Dwarka Expressway. Additional plans include Regional Vibrant Summits, new sports infrastructure, and welfare initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Poushtik Alpahar Yojana for health and nutrition.
Looking ahead, Patel said &ldquo;Agenda 2035 will guide Gujarat&rsquo;s development towards its 75th year in 2035 and serve as a stepping stone to India&rsquo;s centenary in 2047, when the nation aspires to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.&rdquo;

Gujarat to draft 100 town plans and GIS projects for 55 small towns by 2035

Gujarat Govt Reveals Agenda 2035 Development Plan

Gujarat to draft 100 town plans and GIS projects for 55 small towns by 2035

August 16, 2025 | 19:11 IST