PM Modi Flags Off 25 Electric Buses at Statue of Unity, Pushes for ‘India’s First E-City’ in Ekta Nagar

October 30, 2025

Ahmedabad: On the eve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off 25 new electric buses worth ₹30 crore at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Narmada district, marking a major step toward sustainable tourism and eco-friendly transport.

With this addition, Ekta Nagar now operates 55 e-buses, offering tourists free, comfortable, and zero-emission travel across the sprawling Statue of Unity complex and surrounding attractions.

Transforming Ekta Nagar into India’s First ‘E-City’

The green mobility initiative is part of PM Modi’s vision to develop Ekta Nagar as India’s first model ‘E-City’, showcasing clean energy, digital innovation, and sustainability.

The 9-metre-long air-conditioned e-buses can travel up to 180 km on a single charge and are equipped with hydraulic lifts for differently-abled passengers, ensuring universal accessibility. Four pink seats reserved for women have also been included for comfort and safety.

“Ekta Nagar is not just a tourist destination; it is a living example of environmental consciousness and sustainable growth. The addition of e-buses will ensure cleaner air, lower noise pollution, and modern amenities for visitors,”
— Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Green Tourism and Carbon-Neutral Vision

The Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) has been progressively introducing various electric modes of transport — including e-cars, e-rickshaws, and now e-buses — under the ‘India’s First E-City’ initiative.

First announced by PM Modi on World Environment Day 2021, the project aims to promote carbon-neutral tourism, reduce vehicular emissions, and make Ekta Nagar a global model for eco-friendly tourism.

With the new fleet, visitors can now experience smart, sustainable, and inclusive mobility while exploring attractions such as the Statue of Unity, Valley of Flowers, and Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Grand Unity Day Celebrations Ahead

A grand celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) will be held on October 31 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, State Minister and Spokesperson Jitu Vaghani announced.

The two-day celebrations in Ekta Nagar will feature a Unity Parade, cultural performances, and a special commemorative coin and stamp release, reaffirming the spirit of unity and sustainable progress envisioned by Sardar Patel and championed by Prime Minister Modi.