Visitors to Vadnagar will now be able to get a glimpse of the town’s history even before reaching its famous monuments. In a new initiative, old auto-rickshaws in the historic town are being given a heritage-themed makeover, turning everyday local transport into a moving showcase of Vadnagar’s rich culture and history.
The project is part of the state government’s wider efforts to develop Vadnagar as a major tourism destination. State public sector undertakings are also supporting these efforts by taking up projects that combine tourism promotion with livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Vadnagar, located in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, is known for its centuries-old history and cultural heritage. It is also the native town of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attracts visitors from across India as well as from abroad.
Old Autos Get a Heritage Makeover
The initiative, known as the Vadnagar Heritage Auto Project, has been taken up by Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC) through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.
Under the project, existing auto-rickshaws are being redesigned and refurbished with colours, artwork and visual elements inspired by Vadnagar’s historical and cultural identity. The aim is not only to make the vehicles more attractive but also to give visitors a sense of the town’s heritage as they travel through its streets.
The State Tourism Department and Transport Department are providing logistical support for the project.
In the first phase, 21 auto-rickshaws have already been selected and their renovation has been completed. Around ₹50,000 is being spent on retrofitting each rickshaw, making the project a significant investment in improving the appearance of local transport.
More Than 300 Autos in Vadnagar
Vadnagar currently has more than 300 registered auto-rickshaws, making them an important part of the town’s daily transport system.
The project aims to make these local vehicles a part of the tourism experience rather than simply a means of getting from one place to another. A tourist arriving in Vadnagar could see heritage-themed rickshaws carrying images and designs linked to the town’s history while travelling between its attractions.
The redesigned vehicles are also expected to give Vadnagar a distinct visual identity and help create greater public interest in its historical and cultural sites.
A Tourism Opportunity for Local Drivers
The project is also designed to benefit auto-rickshaw drivers.
With Vadnagar attracting tourists from different parts of the country and overseas, the heritage rickshaws could help participating drivers attract more passengers and increase their earnings.
The initiative therefore brings together two goals — promoting Vadnagar’s heritage and creating better livelihood opportunities for local drivers.
Rather than creating a separate tourism transport system, the project uses vehicles that are already operating in the town and gives them a new role in presenting Vadnagar to visitors.
Registration Still Open
The first phase has covered 21 rickshaws, but the initiative is not limited to these vehicles. The registration process is still open so that more auto-rickshaw drivers can take part in the scheme.
Drivers who want their vehicles to be refurbished with a heritage-themed design reflecting Vadnagar’s history can contact the GSFC representative at the Vadnagar S.T. Depot for information and to register under the initiative.
Heritage and Livelihoods Together
The state government has been working to develop Vadnagar as a major tourism destination, with a focus on its historical, cultural and archaeological importance. The heritage auto project adds another element to these efforts by bringing the town’s identity onto its streets.
The initiative also shows how tourism development can directly involve local workers. By combining heritage promotion with opportunities for auto-rickshaw drivers to attract more tourists and potentially earn more, the project seeks to make local communities part of Vadnagar’s tourism growth.
With more heritage-themed rickshaws expected to join the initiative, visitors may soon find that their journey through Vadnagar’s history begins the moment they step into an auto-rickshaw.
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