Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Gujarat cities mark 80th Independence Day with development pledges
India celebrates its Independence Day every year, remembering the day the country became free.
This year was the 80th Independence Day.
In three big cities in the state of Gujarat, the city leaders, called mayors, raised the national flag.
In Gandhinagar, the mayor promised to build new roads, a sports complex and a civic centre using Rs 1,000 crore.
She also said the city would add 60 more electric buses to the 40 it already has.
In Ahmedabad, the mayor talked about new sports stadiums and getting ready for the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
In Rajkot, the mayor spoke about a food laboratory, recycling facilities and using computers to solve people's complaints faster.
The cities honoured workers who keep the cities clean, healthy and safe.
Everyone celebrated with songs, performances and a promise to keep their cities clean.
India's 80th Independence Day was marked with flag-hoisting ceremonies by municipal corporations in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
Gandhinagar Mayor Mira Patel announced Rs 1,000 crore infrastructure projects, including a sports complex and City Civic Centre, under the Centre's Urban Challenge Fund.
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot highlighted sports infrastructure growth, including the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, ahead of the Commonwealth Games-2030.
Rajkot Mayor Dr Nehal Shukla unveiled plans for a food laboratory, a 150-tonne Material Recovery Facility and AI-based civic complaint resolution systems.
The ceremonies honoured sanitation, ASHA and Anganwadi workers and included cultural performances and rescue demonstrations.
- Who
- Mayors Mira Patel (Gandhinagar), Hitesh Barot (Ahmedabad) and Dr Nehal Shukla (Rajkot), along with civic officials, councillors and citizens.
- What
- Flag-hoisting ceremonies and civic development announcements marking India's 80th Independence Day.
- When
- On Saturday, marking India's 80th Independence Day.
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Rajkot in Gujarat.
- Why
- To pay tribute to freedom fighters and reaffirm civic responsibility, cleanliness and future urban development.
- Event
- 80th Independence Day celebrations
- Participating cities
- Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot (Gujarat)
- Gandhinagar infrastructure investment
- Rs 1,000 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund
- Gandhinagar water infrastructure
- 40 MLD water treatment plant at Sughadh; 100 MLD sewage treatment plant at Jaspur
- Gandhinagar electric buses
- 40 operating; 60 more planned
- Rajkot housing plans
- About 10,000 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- Rajkot waste facility
- 150-tonne Material Recovery Facility
- Rajkot honorees
- 6 sanitation, 6 ASHA and 6 Anganwadi workers