The Gujarat government is set to notify nine new municipal corporations, converting existing municipalities to strengthen urban governance, according to sources in the state urban development department. The move, announced earlier in the 2024-25 state budget, is expected to take shape within the next two weeks.

The municipalities slated for upgrade include Gandhidham, Surendranagar, Porbandar, Vapi, Navsari, Mehsana, Morbi, Nadiad, and Anand. Once formalized, Gujarat will house 17 municipal corporations in total.

Officials stated that the government is also evaluating three additional towns for similar upgrades in the coming months. Administrative groundwork is underway, including the appointment of district collectors as interim administrators for the newly designated corporations. Until municipal elections—anticipated in late 2025—these administrators will oversee operations.

The government plans to incorporate outgrowth areas and neighboring villages into the jurisdiction of the new corporations, ensuring broader governance coverage. Substantial funding allocations are expected in subsequent budgets to support the development of these civic bodies.