PM Modi Travels by Road to Kevadia After Bad Weather Grounds Helicopter

Kevadia (Ekta Nagar) | Gujarat — Unseasonal rain and cloudy weather disrupted the travel schedule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday as he arrived in Gujarat to participate in the National Unity Day celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Originally scheduled to travel by helicopter from Vadodara to Kevadia, the Prime Minister’s journey was altered due to adverse weather conditions, forcing him to proceed by road instead.

Despite the change in plans, PM Modi’s visit marks a significant moment for the state as he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects worth ₹1,220 crore. The two-day event, beginning today, celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man, and underscores the theme of national unity and progress.

Weather Disrupts Kevadia Preparations

The Statue of Unity (SOU) region and surrounding areas have been experiencing persistent rainfall since early morning, hampering preparations for the two-day program. The rain-soaked grounds and cloudy skies led the Indian Meteorological Department to issue advisories, prompting security teams to make alternate arrangements for the Prime Minister’s travel.

An official from the district administration confirmed, “Due to low visibility and safety concerns, the Prime Minister’s helicopter journey to Kevadia was cancelled. He is now travelling by road under tight security cover.”

Security Tightened from Vadodara to Kevadia

PM Modi arrived at Vadodara Airport as per schedule in the evening, where he was welcomed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, the Mayor of Vadodara, and senior administrative officials. Roads were closed on both sides of the route leading to Kevadia as part of extensive security arrangements.

Officials ensured that the Prime Minister’s road journey was smooth and secure, with multiple teams stationed along the 90-km stretch between Vadodara and Ekta Nagar. Traffic diversions were implemented, and local residents cooperated with authorities to facilitate the Prime Minister’s passage.

Focus on Development and National Unity

The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to bring major infrastructure and tourism boosts to the Kevadia region. The ₹1,220-crore development projects include new facilities around the Statue of Unity, improved connectivity infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at promoting eco-tourism and local employment.

A senior government official stated, “The projects being launched today will not only strengthen the tourism potential of Ekta Nagar but also reinforce Gujarat’s contribution to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.”

Symbol of Unity Amid Adversity

Despite the weather disruptions, the enthusiasm surrounding the National Unity Day celebrations remains high. Thousands of visitors and participants are expected to join the event, which pays tribute to Sardar Patel’s legacy of national integration.