Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant one-day visit to Gujarat on September 20, during which he will participate in a series of public events, launch major development projects, and review heritage preservation initiatives. The visit carries dual importance, reflecting the government’s continued focus on economic growth as well as the protection and promotion of India’s cultural and historical legacy.
The day’s programme will begin in Bhavnagar, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to lead a grand roadshow starting at 10 a.m. Organizers expect more than 30,000 people to take part in the 1.5-kilometre-long procession. The event is being designed around the themes of Operation Sindoor, GST relief measures, and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting both social commitment and economic self-reliance. Following the roadshow, Prime Minister Modi will address a massive public gathering at Jawahar Maidan, where he is expected to outline his government’s developmental agenda and achievements in the region.
During his Bhavnagar engagement, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a number of shipping and maritime-related projects with a combined value estimated at ₹1.5 lakh crore. These projects are expected to significantly boost the state’s maritime economy, enhance port infrastructure, and create employment opportunities. In addition to these large-scale initiatives, Bhavnagar itself will receive a package of development projects worth more than ₹100 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and urban facilities alongside major industrial investments.
In the afternoon, around 1 p.m., the Prime Minister will travel to Lothal in Ahmedabad district to oversee the progress of the ambitious National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). Conceived with an investment of approximately ₹4,500 crore, the complex is one of the flagship projects that embodies Modi’s vision of “Virassat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” — a philosophy that promotes development while also safeguarding India’s rich heritage.
At the site, Prime Minister Modi will inspect completed portions of the complex, hold a detailed review meeting with project officials, and evaluate the pace of ongoing works. His visit is expected to draw further national and global attention to the project, which is positioned as a world-class cultural and educational attraction.
Lothal holds deep historical significance as one of the most prominent trade and maritime centres of the Indus Valley Civilization, symbolizing India’s ancient prowess in navigation and commerce. By situating the NMHC at this historic site, the government aims to reconnect modern India with its maritime roots, presenting a narrative of continuity from ancient trade networks to today’s global aspirations.
The heritage complex also reflects one of the “Panch Pran” pledges articulated by the Prime Minister — the commitment to preserve and promote India’s ancient heritage. Once completed, the NMHC is expected not only to serve as a major tourist destination but also to stand as a global showcase of India’s maritime legacy, blending archaeological treasures with modern exhibition technologies.
Through this visit, Prime Minister Modi seeks to emphasize the importance of balanced progress — where large-scale economic investments in shipping and industry are matched with initiatives that protect cultural history and strengthen India’s identity as a nation rooted in both tradition and modernity.
