The PM said whether it is industry, agriculture, or tourism — excellent connectivity is essential for all sectors (Express Photo)Once mocked as “Gardabad”, Ahmedabad is now becoming a city of dreams and resolutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.PM Modi, while dedicating several development infrastructure and housing projects for Ahmedabad out of total projects worth Rs 5,477 crore, invoked initiatives such as Sabarmati Riverfront, Kankaria Lake and BRTS and said Ahmedabad is emerging as a “major concert economy”.The statements were made during Modi’s public rally in Nikol area, which is dominated by the Patidar community – mostly with roots in Saurashtra region. Exactly 10 years ago, Ahmedabad witnessed a historic Patidar agitation with a massive public meeting under Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) led by Hardik Patel demanding reservation through OBC status for the community.“Ahmedabad city is now becoming a city of dreams and resolutions. There was a time when people mocked Ahmedabad by calling it “Gardabad” (land of dust). How flying dust and dirt had become the city’s misfortune. I am happy that Ahmedabad is earning national recognition for its cleanliness,” PM Modi stated in his address.Modi’s visit and thrust on local projects comes months ahead of the municipal corporation elections that are due in the beginning of next year.Mentioning that today’s youth have not witnessed “the earlier days” when the Sabarmati River resembled “a dry drain”, the Prime Minister highlighted that the people of Ahmedabad resolved to change this situation. “Sabarmati Riverfront now enhances the pride of the city. Kankaria Lake used to be green and foul-smelling due to weeds, which made even walking near it difficult. The area had become a preferred spot for anti-social elements. But today, the lake has transformed into one of the finest recreational destinations. Kankaria Carnival has now become a new identity of the city. All these developments reflect the changing face of Ahmedabad,” he said.Stating that Ahmedabad is emerging as a major tourism hub, Modi highlighted that it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City. “Be it the historic gates, Sabarmati Ashram, or the city’s rich heritage — Ahmedabad is now shining on the global map. Modern and innovative forms of tourism are rapidly developing in the city. Ahmedabad has become a significant centre for the concert economy,” the PM stressed, highlighting the recent Coldplay concert that attracted global attention. This demonstrates Ahmedabad’s capability to host large-scale concerts as well as major sports events, he added.Story continues below this adThe PM said whether it is industry, agriculture, or tourism — excellent connectivity is essential for all sectors. He said that in the past 20–25 years, Gujarat’s connectivity has undergone a complete transformation. Talking about Sardar Patel Ring Road, which was launched in 2002 during his tenure as the Chief Minister, Modi said it is now being widened into a six-lane. This widening will help reduce traffic congestion in the city’s most crowded areas, he added.Stating that there was a time when only old, red-coloured buses operated in the city, Modi noted that today, BRTS Janmarg and AC-electric buses have introduced modern facilities while Metro rail network is also expanding rapidly, which has ensured ease of travel for the people of Ahmedabad.Affirming that his government is committed to ensuring a life of dignity for the urban poor, Modi cited Ramapir No Tekro as “direct evidence” of this commitment. “Pujya Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) always emphasised on the dignity of the poor and the newly constructed homes near Sabarmati Ashram stand as a living example of this vision. The allocation of 1,500 permanent houses to the poor marks the foundation of countless new dreams. This Navratri and Diwali, the happiness on the faces of those residing in these homes will be even greater. The redevelopment of the Sabarmati Ashram is a true tribute to Pujya Bapu…Sabarmati Ashram will emerge as the world’s foremost inspiration for peace, once the project is completed,” the PM added.Modi said that in the past 11 years, 25 crore people have overcome poverty, which is a matter of pride for India and a subject of discussion among the economic institutions of the world. “These individuals have contributed to the emergence of a new middle class in the country. Our government is continuously working to empower both the new middle class and the traditional middle class,” he said.Story continues below this adOn Sunday, PM Modi had virtually addressed the inauguration of a girls’ hostel developed by Sardardham, a voluntary organisation run by the Patidar community.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Ahmedabad Municipal CorporationNarendra Modi