The Gujarat government has released Rs 28 billion to municipal corporations and municipalities across the state to support holistic urban development, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel distributing the cheques at an event held in Ahmedabad under Urban Development Year 2025. Addressing the gathering, Patel said Gujarat has demonstrated how rapid urban development can be achieved through visionary leadership, strong commitment and adequate financial resources, building on the foundation laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as chief minister of the state. He said Gujarat’s cities have emerged as national leaders in green spaces, green growth, green mobility, solid waste management and cleanliness rankings, even as climate change poses increasing challenges. As part of the allocation, Rs 21.32 billion was distributed to eight municipal corporations, while Rs 3.60 billion was allocated to nine newly formed municipal corporations for infrastructure development, at Rs 400 million each. In addition, Rs 3.08 billion was released to 152 municipalities, taking the total disbursement to Rs 28 billion. The Chief Minister emphasised that municipalities must strengthen their capacity to utilise funds effectively for people-centric projects, while ensuring high standards of quality and cleanliness. He urged all cities to build on Gujarat’s achievements in the Swachh Survekshan by ensuring 100 per cent ward-wise waste segregation, expanding solid waste management systems and increasing the use of solar energy to reduce municipal electricity costs. Patel said the state has prepared a roadmap for a Viksit Gujarat aligned with the national Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, adding that Gujarat’s cities could be transformed into some of the best-equipped urban centres in the country by 2035, when the state completes 75 years of its formation. He also called on urban local bodies to expand citizen-centric e-services, promote mobile governance and encourage the use of UPI for tax collection and utility payments. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said Gujarat’s cities and districts have witnessed accelerated development over the past two decades, gaining national recognition for cleanliness and infrastructure quality. Urban Development Minister Kanubhai Desai noted that the state’s Urban Development Department budget has been increased from Rs 220 billion to Rs 300 billion, underlining the government’s focus on timely execution of urban infrastructure projects such as roads, sanitation, drainage and stormwater systems. Minister of State for Urban Development Darshna Vaghela reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening municipal infrastructure and public welfare. The event was attended by senior officials, mayors, MLAs and representatives of municipal bodies from across Gujarat, and featured a presentation showcasing urban development initiatives across the state.