Gujarat Politics & Governance

Revised train timetable takes effect on Ahmedabad Railway Division

1 January 2026

A revised timetable for trains on the Ahmedabad Railway Division took effect on 1 January 2026. Timings changed for 110 trains, and speeds were increased for 85; the changes covered stations including Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Mehsana, Palanpur, Bhuj and Gandhinagar. Passengers were advised to check their train’s updated timing before travelling.

Key Facts

• Indian Railways is a state-owned national railway system administered through the Ministry of Railways.

Ahmedabad DEO launches examination support for Classes 10 and 12

1 January 2026

Ahmedabad’s District Education Officer launched free digital examination resources for Classes 10 and 12 ahead of the Gujarat Board examinations. The question bank contains 80 model papers across 40 subjects in Gujarati and English; a WhatsApp helpline also offers subject-related and examination-stress support from experts and psychologists.

Key Facts

• Gujarat’s secondary and higher-secondary board oversees academics and examinations, providing the institutional context for the DEO’s exam-preparation initiative.

Gujarat Gas cuts supply price for Than ceramic units

1 January 2026

Gujarat Gas reduced its supply price to ceramic units in Than by ₹4.50 per cubic metre, effective 1 January. The town has more than 200 ceramic units that use gas for their kilns.

The reported daily saving of more than ₹2 lakh is an estimate. Industry representatives welcomed the reduction and continued to seek a further cut.

Key Facts

• Gujarat Gas procures and distributes natural gas, including to industrial customers.

Gujarat High Court sets limits on glass powder in kite-string coating

2 January 2026

The Gujarat High Court set limits on glass powder used in kite-string coating amid concerns about injuries to people and animals during Uttarayan. The reported limits are 10% of the coating material and 0.5% of the total cotton manjha weight; the court also called for checks to ensure that only string meeting applicable requirements is sold.

Key Facts

• The Gujarat High Court exercises jurisdiction across the state, including over district and administrative courts.

Former Surendranagar collector arrested and suspended; ACB forms SIT

2 January 2026

The Enforcement Directorate arrested former Surendranagar Collector Rajendra Patel in connection with alleged irregularities in non-agricultural land permissions and land-use changes. A special court remanded him to ED custody until 7 January; the allegations remain under investigation.

The Gujarat government suspended Patel with effect from 2 January under All India Services rules. The Anti-Corruption Bureau also formed a six-member Special Investigation Team to investigate a disproportionate-assets case involving Patel and other officials.

Key Facts

• The Enforcement Directorate enforces economic laws and investigates financial crimes.

Rajkot begins doorstep e-waste collection service

2 January 2026

Rajkot Municipal Corporation began a doorstep e-waste collection service in Ward 13, using an electric vehicle to collect discarded electronics from residents’ homes. The corporation partnered with E-Waste Collection Services to run the service, which residents can arrange by phone.

The corporation plans to extend the service across the city in phases. Municipal rates provide payments for collected items, encouraging residents to hand over e-waste for appropriate handling.

Key Facts

• E-Waste Collection Services will scientifically recycle collected electronics, enabling resource reuse and pollution reduction.

Navsari sells incense made from used temple flowers

2 January 2026

Navsari Municipal Corporation began selling incense sticks made from used temple flowers at its main office. Flowers collected from temples and other religious sites are dried and processed into incense and similar products.

The corporation collects about 700 kilograms of flowers daily. It had prepared around 1,000 packets, each containing 20 sticks, and set a price of ₹10 per packet.

Key Facts

• The initiative applies circular-economy thinking by turning discarded flowers into useful products.

GUVNL awards 65 MW/130 MWh battery-storage project at Virpor

5 January 2026

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) awarded Rajesh Power Services Limited a 65 MW/130 MWh standalone battery energy storage project at Virpor and issued the company a letter of intent. Selected through tariff-based competitive bidding, the project has viability-gap funding support from the Power System Development Fund.

Implementation is expected within 18 months of signing the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement. The planned system can supply 65 MW for up to two hours.

Key Facts

• Battery storage can help manage peak demand and ...