Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Gujarat on August 25–26, will flag off Suzuki’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV) — the ‘e-Vitara’ — from the company’s Hansalpur manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad. This model, built in India, is set to be exported to over 100 countries, including major international markets such as Europe and Japan, according to an official government statement.
On August 26, the Prime Minister will also mark a key milestone in India’s battery manufacturing sector by launching local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery facility in Gujarat. The plant is a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki, and is part of efforts to strengthen India’s clean energy supply chain. With this step, more than 80% of the battery value will now be produced domestically, the release noted.
PM Modi’s visit will begin with a public program in Nikol, Ahmedabad, on the evening of August 25. During this event, he will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation several infrastructure and development projects worth approximately ₹5,400 crore.
Among the key infrastructure developments are railway projects worth over ₹1,400 crore aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing freight movement in Gujarat. One of the major undertakings is the doubling of the 65 km Mehsana–Palanpur rail line, with an estimated investment of ₹530 crore. This expansion is expected to increase line capacity, reduce travel time, and support growing industrial activity in the region.
In addition, two gauge conversion projects are being carried out to upgrade and standardize the railway network. These include the 37 km Kalol–Kadi–Katosan Road section and the 40 km Bechraji–Ranuj stretch, with a combined cost of over ₹860 crore. These upgrades will help improve operational efficiency, enable faster train movement, and enhance connectivity to key industrial and logistics hubs across the state.
The launch of car-loaded freight train services from Bechraji is expected to enhance connectivity to Gujarat’s key industrial corridors and improve the logistics ecosystem. Additionally, the Prime Minister will unveil power distribution projects in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar, implemented under Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL).
These projects, with an investment of over ₹1,000 crore, are part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme and aim to modernize infrastructure, reduce technical losses, and improve power reliability. Key benefits include fewer power outages, better protection of electrical equipment during adverse weather conditions, and improved public safety and grid efficiency.
