Gujarat budget snippets

As Ahmedabad completes 600 years....An expressway between Ahmedabad and Dholera-SIR, introduction of Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) ferry service between Dahej and Ghogha ports, purchase of 3000 new ST buses and widening of roads were some of the initiatives announced in the state budget on Friday.The measures are aimed at strengthening road connectivity and transportation infrastructure in Gujarat. In the budget, provisions of Rs 3,341 crore under roads and buildings department and Rs 600 crore under ports and transport department have been made.The state will also get its first express highway of 117 km (approximately) between Ahmedabad and SIR Dholera. Of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 3,341 crore for the R&B department, Rs 2,200 crore have been allocated for the express highway.The government has also proposed to convert the 151 km-long road between Rajkot-Bhavnagar into a four-lane one. Roads joining major ports and industrial areas will also be taken up on a PPP basis at a cost of Rs 746 crore. Even, villages and suburbs having population of less than 500 will be connected through pucca roads, and for this Rs 100 crore have been allotted. Also, Rs 98 crore have been provided for network of 10m wide roads linking district headquarters.Kisanpath Yojna, Pragati Path and Vikas Path Yojna will also get a total of Rs 248 crore. More engineers will be recruited in the roads and building department. Also, pucca roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs 30 crore to facilitate movement of workers engaged in salt farming.The transport department will buy 3,000 new ST buses at a cost of Rs 425 crore. Also 21 ST bus stations will be modernized.A proposed RORO ferry service from Ghogha to Dahej will also be introduced at a cost of Rs 296 crore.