The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference – North Gujarat was inaugurated on Saturday in Mehsana by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. The event underscored Gujarat’s emergence as a key pillar of India’s development in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, modern logistics, and green energy. Addressing the gathering, Ashwini Vaishnaw said Gujarat is fast becoming the foundation of India’s industrial transformation, supported by an investment of Rs 1.25 trillion in the electronics and semiconductor sector. He cited major projects including Tata Electronics’ plant in Dholera, Micron’s manufacturing centre in Sanand, and upcoming facilities of CG Power and KEC. He added that Gujarat’s thriving ecosystem has attracted around 30 Japanese companies establishing units to supply critical materials such as ultra-pure chemicals, gases, and substrates, which will also raise quality standards across India’s pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The minister announced that proposals worth Rs 1.15 trillion had been received under the Central Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme. To build a skilled workforce, training on advanced semiconductor tools and 5G labs has begun at Ganpat University and over 12 other colleges, creating a complete value chain from talent to technology and manufacturing. Gujarat’s Clean Energy Leadership Vaishnaw praised Gujarat’s pioneering work in renewable energy, highlighting the world’s largest green energy project in Khawada, Kutch. “In today’s world, where clean energy defines competitiveness, Gujarat has a clear and powerful answer,” he said. Record Railway Investments The minister also detailed the historic transformation of Gujarat’s railway network, with an investment of Rs 1.46 trillion. Over the past 11 years, 2,764 km of new railway lines have been laid — equivalent to the entire railway network of Denmark. Updating on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, he announced that the first bullet train would run by August 2027. He noted that the Dedicated Freight Corridor is now operational, reducing container train travel time from 30 hours to just 10–11 hours, with around 400 freight trains operating daily across the eastern and western corridors. In addition, 87 railway stations are being modernized, and 332 flyovers and underpasses are under construction across the state. Vision for Developed India 2047 Speaking about India’s long-term development, Vaishnaw said, “We must strengthen our capabilities and broaden our horizons. India was among the world’s top two economies for nearly 2,000 years — now it is time to reclaim that position.” He invited industry leaders, academic institutions, and global investors to partner with Gujarat, promising full support from both the Central and State Governments. Exhibition Highlights Ahead of the conference, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated a trade show and exhibition featuring over 400 exhibitors across sectors including agriculture, food processing, and renewable energy, spread across an 18,000 sq. m. exhibition area. Leading corporates such as Torrent, Welspun, NHPC, NTPC, Suzlon, Adani, INOX, PowerGrid, Nirma, Maruti Suzuki, and ONGC participated in the exhibition. A Vendor Development Programme (VDP) was also organized with Dudhsagar Dairy, ONGC, Western Railway, and Maken Foods to promote industry linkages and MSME growth. The event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, MSMEs, and global partners, reaffirming Gujarat’s status as India’s growth and innovation hub, aligned with the vision of a self-reliant and sustainable India.