Kataria Inaugurates PPP Road in Udaipur

Udaipur: A new road constructed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Mewar Harmony Group in the Mewar Industrial Area was inaugurated today by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulabchand Kataria. The newly constructed road was formally dedicated to the public during the ceremony.

Following the inauguration, a special interactive meeting with entrepreneurs of South Rajasthan was held at the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (UCCI) in the P.P. Singhal Auditorium. Speaking at the event, Governor Kataria commended the Mewar Harmony Group for their pioneering initiative. He emphasized that this road, built without direct government funding, would significantly contribute to regional development and pollution control.

Kataria further proposed the development of another industrial area in Udaipur and encouraged better utilization of the existing industrial land. “Such initiatives must continue consistently,” he remarked, highlighting the need for productive collaboration between private donors and the government.

He also acknowledged the numerous philanthropic contributions of Mewar Harmony Group and underlined that this road project stands as one of their most impactful endeavors. Referring to his past governmental experience, he mentioned that while schools and hospitals had previously been developed under the PPP model, this is the first time he witnessed a road being built through such collaboration—an innovation he plans to recommend for government support.

Governor Kataria thanked RIICO and UCCI for their partnership in this initiative and stressed that these collaborative efforts can become a model for further regional development. “Udaipur is rich in generous donors like Mewar Harmony,” he added, “and with state cooperation, many more such public benefit projects can emerge.”

He called upon the government machinery to value and support such donors instead of burdening them with bureaucratic red tape. Citing his tenure as Education Minister, Kataria proudly recalled initiating the Bhamashah Samman Yojana, which still honors philanthropic contributors to the education sector.

The governor also shared success stories like the Rs. 100-crore transformation of the M.B. General Hospital and the cleaning of the Ayd River, which were achieved through donor participation. Remembering former Chief Minister Mohanlal Sukhadia's historical Devas Water Project, he mentioned his own efforts during the Vasundhara Raje-led government to revive and expedite that initiative—thanks to which Udaipur now enjoys year-round water availability.

UCCI President Manish Galundia praised the road not just as infrastructure, but as a visionary model of future growth. He noted that this project will enhance accessibility and environmental sustainability in the region. Galundia also highlighted several other PPP projects undertaken by UCCI, including school education drives, health initiatives, and the creation of a dumping yard.

During the ceremony, key dignitaries such as RIICO Managing Director Shivangi Swarnkar, Cello World CMD Pradeep Ghisulal Rathore, former Chief Secretary P.N. Bhandari, UCCI Patron B.H. Bapna, RIICO General Manager D.K. Sharma, and Ajay Pandya shared their views and suggestions on regional industrial development.

The program was compered by Sakshi Jain. The ceremony began with a traditional lamp-lighting ritual, followed by a welcome garlanding of dignitaries and presentation of mementoes. Among the attendees were UCCI General Secretary Ashish Chhabra and several prominent industrialists from the region.