A major coastal highway project designed to strengthen connectivity in South Gujarat has officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony held on 16 March 2026 at Pardi Jakhri village in Olpad taluka of Surat district. The project marks an important step toward improving road infrastructure along the coastal belt of the region.
The highway will be built at an estimated cost of ₹356 crore and aims to provide faster and more convenient travel between Hazira in Surat and Kantyajal in Bharuch. The proposed road will be approximately 18 km long and developed as a four-lane coastal highway passing through parts of both Surat and Bharuch districts.
At present, the distance between Hazira and Kantyajal is nearly 55 km, but once the new highway becomes operational, the travel distance will be reduced to around 18–20 km, saving significant travel time and fuel. The route will pass through several coastal villages in the Olpad region, including Dandi, Mor, Nes, Bhagva, and Pardi Jakhri, bringing better accessibility to these areas.
The project is expected to improve transportation for local residents, support trade activities, and enhance regional development. Local representatives, government officials, and state highway authorities were present at the ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction work.
