In a significant move to bolster infrastructure, the Gujarat government plans to fill 3,100 new positions in the Roads and Buildings Department over the next two years. The announcement was made by Rushikesh Patel, the state’s Roads and Buildings Minister, during a recent Assembly session where budget proposals were approved.
Patel emphasized that roads are more than just pathways—they’re essential for economic growth. “Strong road connectivity is the true indicator of development,” he said. The state’s road network has grown substantially from around 1 lakh km in 2001 to over 1.35 lakh km by 2025.
The minister highlighted plans for an Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPRC) system, where contractors will be compensated based on how well roads perform rather than merely how much work they complete. A budget allocation of ₹200 crore is dedicated to this initiative.
A further ₹150 crore will support maintenance under a Short Term Maintenance Contract system, aimed at ensuring roads remain durable and serviceable.
A Focus on Connectivity
The government’s budget includes ₹927 crore specifically for enhancing roads connecting 267 taluka headquarters. There’s also a hefty ₹5,603 crore, allocated through the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana for rural roads—all part of an effort dubbed “Prosperous Villages, Prosperous Gujarat.”
Mega Projects Ahead
A series of major projects are set to reshape transportation across Gujarat. The Namo Shakti Expressway, stretching 431 km, promises to cut travel time between districts from about 7.5 hours to nearly four. Meanwhile, the proposed Somnath–Dwarka Expressway is estimated at ₹57,120 crore.
Sustainable Development Initiatives
The state aims to embrace eco-friendly construction methods with new initiatives targeting waste reduction and carbon emissions through projects like a pilot program at Jambusar costing approximately ₹50 crore.