Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a major people-centric policy to allot government land free of cost to municipalities for public welfare projects across towns and cities in the state. The move is aimed at improving transparency in urban administration and accelerating the delivery of essential civic infrastructure.

Under the new policy, municipalities will be eligible to receive government land without charge for developing 11 categories of key infrastructure facilities. Earlier, local bodies were required to pay between 25 and 50 per cent of the market value or jantri rates to acquire government land for development works. With this requirement removed, around 152 municipalities are expected to benefit from significant cost savings and a simplified land allotment process.

The decision is designed to facilitate faster implementation of public utility projects and strengthen access to essential services. The infrastructure covered under the policy includes municipal service centres, fire stations, sewage treatment plants, water treatment plants, underground sewerage systems, drainage pumping stations, water supply projects, solid and liquid waste management facilities, stormwater drainage works, anganwadis, town halls, community halls and convention centres.

By reducing the financial burden on municipalities, the policy is expected to accelerate urban development and enhance the pace of infrastructure creation. Citizens are likely to benefit from quicker access to critical services such as water supply, sanitation, education and healthcare, reinforcing the state’s focus on inclusive and sustainable urban growth.