DONALD TRUMP’S INDIA VISIT: ALMOST RS 4 CRORE TO BE SPENT TO DECORATE ROADS WITH FLOWERS?

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is gearing up to decorate the city ahead of American President Donald Trump’s India visit, scheduled for February 24 and 25.

The corporation has decided to have flowers from Chimmanbhai Patel Bridge to Zundal Circle and up to Motera, which will cost the ex-chequer Rs 3.7 crore.

The standing committee on Thursday approved two proposals for beautification of the roads - one from Chimanbhai Patel Bridge to Motera stadium at a cost of Rs 1.73 crore while the other proposal for the stretch from Chimanbhai Patel Bridge to Zundal Circle at a cost of Rs1.97 crore. The proposal is for developing green spaces under the metro route, said officials. A third proposal has also been approved, which permits officials to have adequate lighting water and urinals at the venue. The lighting along the route is said to be theme-based lightings.

Trump and Mrs Trump will be travelling to Ahmedabad in Gujarat and New Delhi during their visit. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the American President’s visit to India will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, adding that the global strategic partnership between India and the United States is based on "trust, shared values, mutual respect and understanding", and marked by warmth and friendship between the people of the two countries.

Trump had earlier spoken about his trip and had said: “I look forward to going to India. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is a friend of mine. He’s a great gentleman.”

He further said that he had spoken to Modi and in a phone conversation, the latter had said that millions and millions would welcome him from the airport to the stadium.