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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Thursday and Friday, October 30 and 31, to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, according to an official release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The celebrations will be held at Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity in Narmada district. The two-day visit will feature a series of development inaugurations, cultural programmes, and a grand parade showcasing India’s unity in diversity.

On October 30, PM Modi will flag off 25 new electric buses (E-buses) at Ekta Nagar, further expanding the region’s green transport network. With the addition of these buses, the total E-bus fleet in the area will reach 55, all providing free rides to tourists visiting the world’s tallest statue.

Officials said the initiative is part of PM Modi’s broader vision to make Ekta Nagar India’s first fully electric city. The new 9-metre-long air-conditioned mini E-buses can travel up to 180 kilometres on a single charge and include facilities for differently-abled passengers, two emergency exits, and four pink seats reserved for women.

The Prime Minister is expected to highlight the expansion as a key step towards sustainable tourism, improved last-mile connectivity, and a cleaner travel experience for visitors.

Later in the evening, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore. These include the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, the Hospitality District (Phase 1) at Garudeshwar, and several infrastructure upgrades such as smart bus stops, an E-bus charging depot, the Narmada Ghat Extension, and a walkway from Ekta Dwar to Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation for landmark projects like the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, Veer Balak Udyan, a new Sports Complex, the Rainforest Project, Jetty Development near Shoolpaneshwar Ghat, and travelators at the Statue of Unity complex.

According to officials, these projects reflect the government’s emphasis on integrating tourism, culture, and sustainability to transform the region into a model for eco-friendly urban development.

On October 31, PM Modi will offer floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity and administer the National Unity Day pledge. The event will feature a grand parade modelled on the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.

The parade will include contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and police forces from multiple states. Special highlights include a BSF dog squad featuring Indian breeds like the Rampur and Mudhol hounds, a camel-mounted band, and a motorcycle daredevil display by the Assam Police.

The Prime Minister will also unveil a Rs 150 commemorative coin and a postage stamp to mark the historic milestone. The event will honour gallantry award winners from the BSF and CRPF for their bravery in anti-Naxal and counter-terror operations.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros