Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday unveiled its manifesto for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation election, pitching AI-enabled civic infrastructure, smart roads, new sports facilities, decentralised municipal services and expanded public transport as key priorities for the state capital over the next five years.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who released the manifesto in Gandhinagar, said the party’s vision is to develop the city as a “Sports Capital, Knowledge Hub and Cultural Centre”, while retaining its green character.
“The BJP manifesto resolves to make Gandhinagar more facility-rich, smart, clean, beautiful, green, a cultural centre, a sports centre and inclusive over the next five years,” Sanghavi said.
The manifesto proposes AI-based traffic signals, development of Ch-Road as an iconic road and Road Nos. 2 and 3, as well as the Gh-7-Pethapur stretch, as smart roads.
Approach roads to different sectors would be modernised, and city roads would be gradually converted into concrete roads.
The plan also includes taking forward the proposed K-2-Vavol overbridge and completing the overbridge from K-7 towards Randheja.
Sanghavi said, “Gandhinagar’s individual sectors would be given distinct identities through theme-based urban design, including sector-specific entry gates, modern footpaths and coordinated beautification of major roads and public spaces.”
A major component of the manifesto is technology-led education. AI laboratories would be established in municipal schools, alongside smart classrooms, digital learning, STEM and robotics-based education.
The BJP has also proposed expanding smart schools under the Gyankunj project and developing a robotics-based sports facility. Development of data centres would be encouraged to strengthen the city’s digital infrastructure.
A modern Namo Library would be developed for students and those preparing for competitive examinations.
Libraries and reading facilities would also be established in all villages incorporated into the municipal corporation area, with programmes focused on education, skills and careers for young people.
The manifesto also places emphasis on developing Gandhinagar as a sports destination.
Proposals include a modern sports complex, a cricket stadium at Randheja, a sports complex at Pethapur, separate gyms for women and a robotics-based sports facility.
The party said modern training and practice facilities would be provided to help local athletes progress to national and international levels.
On the cultural front, the BJP has proposed a City Centre, Performing Arts Facility and Town Hall. Meena Bazaar would be redeveloped and modernised, while the Gh-5 Open Air Theatre would be upgraded.
The party has also proposed linking the city’s historical and cultural sites with tourism, including development of Ambapur Vav as a heritage site and a ‘Waste to Best’ Wonder Park.
A ‘Gandhinagar Urban Darshan’ double-decker AC bus service has also been proposed to connect important historical, cultural and development sites.
The manifesto seeks to retain Gandhinagar’s green character through tree plantation, landscaping and theme-based plantations along major roads and sectors.
The Sector-1 lake would be redeveloped with a walkway, landscaping, seating and recreational facilities. The BJP has also included measures concerning areas incorporated into the municipal corporation.
Gokulpura, Fatehpura, Adivada and Kubernagar would receive improved roads, street lights, drainage, water supply and other civic infrastructure.
Rural chowks and a labour chowk have been proposed, along with a community hall at Randheja and improved connectivity between Randheja and surrounding areas and the city.
The manifesto promises effective implementation of the PM Awas Yojana for economically weaker and needy families.
It also proposes decentralising municipal services through zonal offices so that residents can access civic complaint mechanisms, certificates and other services locally.
On public health and sanitation, the BJP has proposed physiotherapy centres through public participation, mobile food-testing vans, bio-mining for solid waste disposal and a modern animal hospital.
It also promises arrangements for the scientific and respectful disposal of animal carcasses.
Sanghavi said the next five years should focus on preparing Gandhinagar for the next generation rather than only creating conventional infrastructure.
“Keeping the next generation in mind, Gandhinagar will be prepared for the future through technology, facilities and human-centric development,” he said.
He also highlighted the development undertaken in the city over the past five years, including drainage networks, drinking water lines, roads, healthcare facilities, gardens, lakes, smart government schools, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro connectivity, the Sabarmati-Gandhinagar riverfront and local bus services.
Sanghavi said Gandhinagar was no longer only the city of the Secretariat but was emerging as a centre for major national and international conferences, universities, fintech and global companies, creating new opportunities in industry, trade and employment.
“The next five years will give new momentum and a new direction to Gandhinagar’s overall development,” he said.
–IANS
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