Creating dynamic, people oriented cities of the future: The Gujarat Experience

Published By : Admin | August 21, 2013 | 12:05 IST

According to some estimates, India will need 500 new cities in the next two decades. Existing infrastructure is barely able to meet the needs of residents with significant shortfalls in the areas of power supply, water & sanitation, housing and transportation. Urban and infrastructure development are critical issues facing India and the Gujarat experience provides multiple lessons. On the back of its infrastructure, even with only 5% of population and 6% of the geographical area, Gujarat contributes to 25% of India’s exports, 17% of Indian Industrial output and 37% of the cargo handled by ports in India (up from 29% in 2000). Here are a few learnings of how it has been able to achieve leadership in areas of urban development, energy, water & transportation.

Gujarat’s % share in total shipping traffic of India

Total traffic at major and minor shipping ports (‘000 Tonnes)- Note the substantial improvement of Gujarat’s numbers

Urban Development: Cities are the hub for human development and help attract investments and improve quality of life. Urban development requires both creation of new cities as well as development of existing cities. New cities face significant regulatory, governance and infrastructure challenges. Keeping these challenges in mind, Gujarat pioneered the concept of SIR (Special Investment Regions) in the country. Gujarat passed the SIR act in 2009 to enable local governance for these regions and is now developing thirteen SIR cities in the state including the flagship Dholera project on the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

Dholera with 2 million planned residents will be among the top fifteen cities in India and double the size of last planned city Chandigarh which is 45th  in terms of size in India.  Dholera comes with highway and metro connectivity to cities like Ahmedabad as well as high end technology access. Similarly GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tech-City) is another 986 acre greenfield development initiative at advanced stage of development which will offer one of the best options to entrepreneurs and residents.

In terms of development of existing city development, Ahmedabad is a good example. Sabarmati riverfront was transformed in line with other world-class cities like Paris, London, Singapore etc. Ahmedabad BRTS (Bus Rapid Transport System) is the only successful BRTS in India and was awarded by ITDP (USA) for showing how large cities can reduce carbon emissions with smart systems.

Energy: Gujarat pioneered the development of parallel grid system to provide quality and continuous power supply to farms, households and industry (an idea now being replicated across states). In addition, an aggressive clean power generation focus was developed in areas like solar power where Gujarat now has 2/3 of India’s solar power capacity. 

Power Supply Situation in Top Five States (2013-14)

Source: CEA

To reduce distribution losses, special police stations and community reporting was started to control power theft and state electricity board started turning profits.

The results was 24X7 three phase, high quality power across the state with distribution losses going down to 20% from 35%. The results are all the more outstanding when compared to top five power consuming states in India which suffer power upto 25% power deficit while Gujarat is power surplus.

Similarly in gas sector, Gujarat is the only state to have two LNG terminals plus a state wide gas grid of 2,400 km built with private participation.

Water: A massive water harvesting and conservation campaign was started with development of 650,000 water management structures. Community based 14,000 water committees for drinking water distribution & management, a concept which has since been awarded by UN. A state wide water grid of 1,900 km of bulk pipelines, 100,000 km of distribution pipelines with filtration plants covering 10,000 villages was setup which is now able to supply tap water to 75% of households.

Gujarat also became the only state in the country where ground water level has risen, thus assuring high quality water supply for generations to come.

Transportation: A focus on roads led to 92% paved roads in Gujarat vs a national average of 58%. Gujarat also has the highest road network density per sq km in India.  Currently, it takes around 2 days to travel from Ahmedabad  to Delhi by road. Through DMIC, Government envisages creating roads where one can travel from Ahmedabad to Delhi in just 5-6 hours by road, which is on the similar lines of highways in foreign countries like Japan, China, United States etc.

Gujarat’s marine policy is now being replicated by many other states and led to 37% of India’s sea cargo carried by Gujarat ports alone. Similarly, Gujarat has the highest number of airports in the country (fourteen including one international airport).

Gujarat also developed the largest fiber optic network in Asia which connects all government offices right up to 18,000 villages.

The result of this infrastructure and urban development is evident in the quality of life and industrial growth in the state. Gujarat also leads the country in per capita income growth and industrial output. For states with rich potential like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and may of those who will be newly formed, it is prudent to share more successful ideas especially as most infrastructure development companies come from the region. If one collaborates on bigger ideas backed by great vision the urban landscape of India can change. The people of the two states as well as the rest of the country can benefit immensely if the best ideas and successes from Gujarat in the areas of urban and infrastructure development are used as case studies across the country.

Explore More
ஒவ்வொரு இந்தியனின் இரத்தமும் கொதிக்கிறது: ‘மன் கீ பாத்’ (மனதின் குரல்) நிகழ்ச்சியில் பிரதமர் மோடி

பிரபலமான பேச்சுகள்

ஒவ்வொரு இந்தியனின் இரத்தமும் கொதிக்கிறது: ‘மன் கீ பாத்’ (மனதின் குரல்) நிகழ்ச்சியில் பிரதமர் மோடி
Yoga as a mass campaign to build a healthier India

Media Coverage

Yoga as a mass campaign to build a healthier India
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM Modi
June 21, 2025
QuoteYoga has united the entire world: PM
QuoteYoga is for Everyone, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability: PM
QuoteYoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world, It teaches us that we are not isolated individuals but part of nature: PM
QuoteYoga is a system that takes us from Me to We: PM
QuoteYoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again: PM
QuoteLet this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM

Andhra Pradesh Governor Syed Abdul Nazir Ji, the popular Chief Minister of this state, my dear friend Chandrababu Naidu Garu, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet, K. Rammohan Naidu Ji, Prataprao Jadhav Ji, Chandrashekhar Ji, Bhupati Raju Srinivas Verma Ji, the state's Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Garu, other dignitaries and my dear brothers and sisters! Namaskar to all of you!

Best wishes to everyone in the country and across the world on International Yoga Day. Today, for the 11th time, the whole world is doing yoga together on 21 June. Yoga simply means to connect and it is wonderful to see how yoga has connected the whole world. When I look back at the journey of yoga over the past decade, I remember many things. The day when India proposed in the United Nations that 21 June be recognised as International Yoga Day and then in the shortest time 175 countries of the world stood with our proposal. Such solidarity and support are not a common occurrence in today's world. This was not just support for a proposal, it was a collective effort of the world for the good of humanity. Today, after 11 years, we see that yoga has become a part of the lifestyle of millions of people around the world. I feel proud when I see that our Divyang friends read Yoga Shastras in Braille, scientists do yoga in space, young friends in villages participate in Yoga Olympiad. Look here, a very wonderful yoga program is going on in all the Navy ships. Be it the steps of the Sydney Opera House, or the peak of Everest, or the expanse of the ocean, the message everywhere is the same – Yoga belongs to all, and is for all. Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or ability.

|

Friends,

Today I am happy that we all are in Visakhapatnam. This city is a confluence of both nature and progress. The people here have organised this event so well. I congratulate Chandrababu Naidu Garu and Pawan Kalyan Garu, under your leadership Andhra Pradesh took a great initiative of YogAndhra Abhiyan. I would also like to specially praise the efforts of Nara Lokesh Garu. How should be the social celebration of yoga, how should every section of the society be connected, he has shown this in the YogAndhra campaign of the last one and a half months, and for this brother Lokesh deserves many congratulations. And I would also like to tell my countrymen that the work done by Lokesh brother should be seen as an example of how such opportunities can be taken deeply to the social level.

Friends,

I have been told that more than two crore people are associated with the YogAndhra campaign. This is the spirit of public participation which is the main basis of developed India. When the public itself comes forward and takes up a campaign, owns a goal, then no one can stop us from achieving that goal. This good will of the people and your efforts are visible everywhere in this event.

|

Friends,

The theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. This theme reflects a deep truth. The health of every entity on Earth is interconnected. Human well-being depends on the health of the soil that grows our food, on the rivers that give us water, on the health of the animals that share our eco-systems, on the plants that nourish us. Yoga awakens us to this inter-connected-ness. Yoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world. It teaches us that we are not isolated individuals but part of nature. Initially we learn to take good care of our own health and wellness. Gradually, our care and concern extend to our environment, society and planet. Yoga is a great personal discipline. At the same time, it is a system that takes us from Me to We.

Friends,

This sentiment of ‘Me to We’ is the essence of the soul of India. When a person thinks about the society above his own interests, only then the entire humanity is benefited. Indian culture teaches us, सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, that is, the welfare of all is my duty. This journey from ‘Me’ to ‘We’ is the basis of service, dedication and co-existence. This thinking promotes social harmony.

Friends,

Unfortunately, today the entire world is going through some kind of tension. Unrest and instability are increasing in many areas. In such a situation, yoga gives us direction to peace. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe to balance to become whole gain.

I would like to make a request to the world community on this important occasion. Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.O, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy. Where yoga is not just a personal practice but becomes a medium of global partnership. Where every country, every society makes yoga a part of lifestyle and public policy. Where we together give impetus to a peaceful, balanced and sustainable world. Where yoga takes the world from conflict to cooperation and from tension to solution.

|

Friends,

To spread yoga in the world, India is further strengthening the science of yoga through modern research. Major medical institutions of the country are engaged in research on yoga. It is our endeavour to ensure that the scientific nature of yoga finds a place in the modern medical system. We are also encouraging evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga in the country's medical and research institutions. AIIMS, Delhi has also done very good work in this direction. AIIMS research has revealed that yoga plays an important role in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders and in women's health and mental well-being.

|

Friends,

The mantra of yoga and wellness is also being promoted through the National Ayush Mission. Digital technology has also played a big role in this. Through the Yoga Portal and YogAndhra Portal, more than 10 lakh events have been registered across the country. Today, events are being organised at so many places in every corner of the country. This also shows how much the scope of yoga is expanding.

Friends,

We all know that today the mantra of Heal in India is also becoming very popular in the world. India is becoming the best destination for healing for the world. Yoga also has a big role in this. I am happy that a Common Yoga Protocol has been created for yoga. More than 6.5 lakh trained volunteers of Yoga Certification Board, 10-day yoga module in about 130 recognized institutes and medical colleges, many such efforts are creating a holistic ecosystem. Trained yoga teachers are being deployed in our Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country. Special e-AYUSH visas are being given so that people from all over the world can benefit from this wellness ecosystem of India.

|

Friends,

Today on Yoga Day, I would like to draw everyone's attention towards obesity once again. Increasing obesity is a big challenge for the whole world. I had also discussed this in detail in Mann Ki Baat programme. For this, I had also started a challenge to reduce 10 percent oil in our food. I once again appeal to the countrymen and people across the world to join this challenge. We need to spread awareness on how we can reduce oil consumption in our food by at least 10 percent. Reducing oil consumption, avoiding unhealthy diet and doing yoga is the key to better fitness.

|

Friends,

Let us together make Yoga a mass movement. A movement that takes the world towards peace, health and harmony. Where every person starts the day with yoga and finds balance in life. Where every society is connected to yoga and is free from stress. Where yoga becomes a medium to bind humanity together. And where 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' becomes a global resolution. Once again, while congratulating the leadership of Andhra, congratulating the people of Andhra and congratulating the yoga practitioners and yoga lovers spread across the world, I wish you all a very Happy International Yoga Day. Thank you!