Dr P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, conducted an extensive review of major infrastructure and heritage projects in Dholera and Lothal, Gujarat, reinforcing the government’s push for industrial and economic transformation aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Dr Mishra visited the Ahmedabad–Dholera Greenfield Expressway, currently under construction by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He underlined the importance of the expressway in reducing travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 45 minutes and urged adherence to global construction standards and completion timelines.

At the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), he reviewed progress at the Dholera International Airport. Officials reported that cargo operations are expected to commence by October 2025. Dr Mishra stressed seamless integration of the airport with the expressway for efficient logistics.

He also inspected Tata Electronics’ semiconductor fabrication facility, a key project in India’s chip manufacturing drive. The plant is expected to produce semiconductors for mobile phones, consumer electronics, and the automotive sector. Dr Mishra reviewed associated developments in social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and residential units spearheaded by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL). He emphasised the importance of user-centric design, recommending incorporation of stakeholder feedback.

During a high-level review meeting, Dr Mishra assessed several strategic projects such as the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, Bhimnath–Dholera Freight Rail Link, Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Line, and the airport. Officials from DICDL, the Dholera International Airport Company Ltd (DIACL), NHAI, Airports Authority of India, and Indian Railways participated. He reiterated the Gujarat Government’s goal of developing Dholera as a world-class smart industrial hub and highlighted the importance of timely execution, skilled manpower, and integrated planning.

In Lothal, Dr Mishra inspected the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. He chaired a review with MoPSW Secretary T. Ramachandran and officials from the Gujarat Maritime Board, Archaeological Survey of India, NHAI, and Railways. He stressed that NMHC should stand as a scholarly and engaging tribute to India’s maritime history, calling for deeper research collaboration and an immersive visitor experience.

Dr Mishra also evaluated environmental initiatives, including indigenous species plantations and advanced water management systems. Highlighting the scale and cultural significance of NMHC, he urged curators to present India’s maritime journey from the Harappan era onward. He directed that Phase I-A, including six galleries, be completed by August 2025.

He was accompanied by key PMO officials, including Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Mangesh Ghildiyal, Deputy Secretary.

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