Infrastructure facilities are considered essential for sustainable industrial development. The state has therefore given utmost priority for the development of new infrastructure facilities, upgrade the existing infrastructure to ultimately transform them to world-class standards. For the purpose, the State Government has taken several initiatives in the recent years with a view to providing the infrastructure as per the requirements of modern industry. The status of important infrastructure facilities is as under:
Power
Although the per capita consumption of electricity is very high in Gujarat as compared to other regions, the State is self-sufficient in power. While the present generating capacity of 9,827 MW (excluding 4,000 MW of captive generation) is satisfactorily meeting with the demand of the industries, it will be doubled to 20,725 MW in next five years to make Gujarat a power surplus state. The state is also planning to set up mini and micro hydel power projects on the dams and canals in the state, besides harnessing the non-conventional and renewable energy sources in wind, solar and bio-fuel sectors.
Ports
The state encompasses 1600 km long coastline, representing one fourth of India’s water front. Gujarat is strategically positioned to service the vast Northern and Central Indian hinterland. The state has 40 minor and intermediate ports, geographically dispersed across the state – South Gujarat (13), Saurashtra (23) and Kachchh (4), besides one major port at Kandla, which is under Government of India.
During the year 2008-09, the intermediate and minor ports have handled the total cargo of 152.81 lakh tonnes. The main items of imports include: Crude Oil, Naphtha, Coal, Iron Ore, Rock Phosphate, Fertilizer, Ammonia, machinery, SKO, Ethylene, Paraxylene, Clinker, Cement, Steel Coils, LPG, Propylene, Waxy residue, LDT etc. The items that were exported include: HSD, Nephtha, Petrol, Oil Cakes, Bauxite, SKO, Paraxylene, Salt, Soda Ash, Food Grains, Cement Clinker, Ethylene, IOF, LPG, Pet-cock etc.
Gujarat has formulated a Port Policy and promotes private sector investment in development of ports and related infrastructure. Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has identified 10 green field sites for development as direct berthing deep-water ports. Of these, Pipavav and Mundra ports have been operational and two LNG terminals at Dahej and Hazira have become operational.
Road
The total length of roads (except municipal roads) in the state is 74,038 km, of which 96.14% are surfaced roads which include National Highways (NH) – 2,867 km, State Highways (SH) – 18,702 km, Major District Roads (MDR) – 20,707 km and Other District Roads – 10,503 km. Rest are village roads.
The Government of Gujarat has recognized the need for private participation in the Road Sector. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has identified several projects to be offered to private sector.
Railways
The total length of railway lines in the state, is 5,188 route km comprising 2,984 km of Broad Gauge (BG), 1,417 km of Meter Gauge (MG) and 787 km of Narrow Gauge (NG) lines.
Three projects, namely Viramgam- Surendranagar-Pipavav; Gandhidham-Palanpur and Mundra-Adipur were been taken up under Private Sector Participation (PSP) mode and have become operational.
Airports
Gujarat has a fairly extensive network of airports and airfields scattered throughout the state. The airport locations in Gujarat can be classified as tourist centers and industrial centers. The state has 12 domestic airports and 1 international airport, the highest in any state of India. Ahmedabad is connected with important national and international cities.
Gas
Gujarat has been a pioneer state in producing oil and gas, with Ankleshwar and Mehsana being the earliest gas fields discovered in the country. In the recent years, Gujarat has emerged as the ‘Petro Capital’ of India. To capitalize the advantages in terms of economic transformation, the state is laying a 2200 km long high-pressure Gas Grid aimed at facilitating gas transmission and distribution from supply points to the demand centres. Of this, 1134 km of pipe line is operational. Gujarat is the only state to have the Gas Grid in the country. All the medium and small industries will be supplied gas from the grid to bring down their operating cost. In the next two to three years, Gas Grid is expected to reach all the districts of Gujarat and will cater to the requirements of industrial, commercial and domestic sectors. Two LNG terminals have considerably eased the availability of gas which will further be augmented by two upcoming LNG terminals each planned at Pipavav in Saurashtra and Mundra in Kutch.
Communications
Gujarat has well-developed tele-communication net work. The tele-density per a population of 100 persons in Gujarat is 10.66 as compared to the national average of 8.95. Gujarat accounts for 6.31% of telephone connections in the country by way of both land-lines and cellular telephones. One out of every six persons in the state owns a mobile phone. Gujarat has also set up a Wide Area Net Work (GSWAN) providing connectivity of the state capital – Gandhinagar with district and taluka level offices.
Technical Education
Gujarat is having well developed educational facilities including technical education at degree, diploma and craftsmen level to provide skilled manpower. In addition, there are specialized institutions in different fields covering management, design, IT, plastic technology, tool manufacturing & design, EDP, etc.
