The Gujarat government has announced plans to build a new, expanded hostel at the site of the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step toward recovery and reconstruction months after the tragedy. The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787 operated by Air India. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft went down and struck the hostel and canteen complex of B.J. Medical College, leading to widespread destruction and the loss of around 260 lives, including passengers and people on the ground. In response, authorities have decided to demolish the damaged structures and construct a modern hostel facility in their place. The new building is planned to accommodate 292 students—nearly triple the capacity of the previous hostel, which housed about 100 residents.&nbsp; Officials say the design will focus on improved safety standards, better infrastructure, and increased capacity to meet the growing needs of medical students. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 103 crore. Of this, Rs 53 crore will be funded by the Tata Group, which owns Air India, while the remaining amount will be borne by the state government. This joint effort is being seen as both a rebuilding initiative and a gesture of responsibility following the disaster. Government sources indicate that tenders for the project will be issued soon, with construction expected to begin in the coming months. While the primary focus is on restoring student housing, discussions are also ongoing about incorporating a memorial element to honour those who lost their lives.

The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787 operated by Air India. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft went down and struck the hostel and canteen complex of B.J. Medical College, leading to widespread destruction and the loss of around 260 lives.

The Gujarat government has announced plans to build a new, expanded hostel at the site of the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step toward recovery and reconstruction months after the tragedy. The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787 operated by Air India. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft went down and struck the hostel and canteen complex of B.J. Medical College, leading to widespread destruction and the loss of around 260 lives, including passengers and people on the ground. In response, authorities have decided to demolish the damaged structures and construct a modern hostel facility in their place. The new building is planned to accommodate 292 students—nearly triple the capacity of the previous hostel, which housed about 100 residents. Officials say the design will focus on improved safety standards, better infrastructure, and increased capacity to meet the growing needs of medical students. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 103 crore. Of this, Rs 53 crore will be funded by the Tata Group, which owns Air India, while the remaining amount will be borne by the state government. This joint effort is being seen as both a rebuilding initiative and a gesture of responsibility following the disaster. Government sources indicate that tenders for the project will be issued soon, with construction expected to begin in the coming months. While the primary focus is on restoring student housing, discussions are also ongoing about incorporating a memorial element to honour those who lost their lives.

The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787 operated by Air India. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft went down and struck the hostel and canteen complex of B.J. Medical College, leading to widespread destruction and the loss of around 260 lives.

Gujarat to rebuild hostel at AI-171 crash site, capacity to triple

The Gujarat government will start a month-long initiative from May 1, the state's Foundation Day, to increase its water conservation capacity, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said today.

Tasks like deepening ponds, desilting water reservoirs and check dams, cleaning and repairing Narmada canal networks, and implementing rain water harvesting projects in urban areas will be undertaken during the 31-day statewide 'Sujalam Sufalam Water Conservation Initiative,' Rupani told reporters at a press conference.

Through the month-long programme, the government aims to increase rain water conservation capacity in the state by 11,000 lakh square feet, he said.

The government has earmarked Rs 345 crore for the initiative which will also involve, apart form various government departments, voluntary organisations, industries, educational and religious institutes, and PSUs, he said.

He said the state government had an aim to revive 32 rivers, across a length of 340 kilometres, as part of the initiative.

The move, he said, will see deepening of around 4,000 ponds, 1,500 check dams, 200 water reservoirs, and cleaning and repairing of 5,400 kilometres of canals covering 6,000 villages.

"Development gets hampered due to water scarcity. For systematic solution to the problem of water scarcity faced by the state due to low rainfall, the state government will undertake a month-long water conservation initiative starting May 1," Rupani said.

The allocation and implementation of the work will take place at the district level, and collectors have prepared master plans of works required in their respective districts, he said.

"We call for public participation through manpower, machinery and money. Collectors will co-ordinate the projects at the district level and will reimburse funds to the participants," Rupani said.

He informed that he would launch the project on May 1 by participating in the desilting of a pond at Kosamdi village in Ankleshwar tehsil of Bharuch district.

Local leaders as well as MLAs and MPs will participate in their respective areas. A committee headed by state Chief Secretary J N Singh has been set up to oversee the project, he said.

Through the month-long programme, the government aims to increase rain water conservation capacity in the state by 11,000 lakh square feet

The Gujarat government will start a month-long initiative from May 1, the state's Foundation Day, to increase its water conservation capacity, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said today. Tasks like deepening ponds, desilting water reservoirs and check dams, cleaning and repairing Narmada canal networks, and implementing rain water harvesting projects in urban areas will be undertaken during the 31-day statewide 'Sujalam Sufalam Water Conservation Initiative,' Rupani told reporters at a press conference. Through the month-long programme, the government aims to increase rain water conservation capacity in the state by 11,000 lakh square feet, he said. The government has earmarked Rs 345 crore for the initiative which will also involve, apart form various government departments, voluntary organisations, industries, educational and religious institutes, and PSUs, he said. He said the state government had an aim to revive 32 rivers, across a length of 340 kilometres, as part of the initiative. The move, he said, will see deepening of around 4,000 ponds, 1,500 check dams, 200 water reservoirs, and cleaning and repairing of 5,400 kilometres of canals covering 6,000 villages. "Development gets hampered due to water scarcity. For systematic solution to the problem of water scarcity faced by the state due to low rainfall, the state government will undertake a month-long water conservation initiative starting May 1," Rupani said. The allocation and implementation of the work will take place at the district level, and collectors have prepared master plans of works required in their respective districts, he said. "We call for public participation through manpower, machinery and money. Collectors will co-ordinate the projects at the district level and will reimburse funds to the participants," Rupani said. He informed that he would launch the project on May 1 by participating in the desilting of a pond at Kosamdi village in Ankleshwar tehsil of Bharuch district. Local leaders as well as MLAs and MPs will participate in their respective areas. A committee headed by state Chief Secretary J N Singh has been set up to oversee the project, he said.

Gujarat to launch month-long water conservation project from May 1

Vijay Rupani took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat today along with 19 ministers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a galaxy of senior BJP leaders. This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in the state. With 99 MLAs, the BJP has a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115.

In a show strength, several Union ministers and senior leaders of the party were also invited for the ceremony, besides saints and religious leaders of different faiths.

The caste breakup of the ministry shows that the BJP is trying to woo the Patidar community. There are six Patel leaders in the 20-member Gujarat government, six from the OBCs, two Rajputs, three tribal leaders and one from Brahmin, Dalit and Jain community.

Here&#39;s the list of Cabinet ministers who are a part of the Rupani-led government this time:

Nitin Patel: He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister for a second consecutive time. He retained his Patidar-dominated Mehsana seat, defeating his Congress rival Jivabhai Patel. Patel has been in the BJP for the past 30 years.

Ranchhodbhai Chanabhai Faldu: Former chief of Gujarat unit of the BJP, Faldu took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He is a Member of Legislative assembly from Kalavad constituency and belongs to the Leuva Patel community.

Jayeshbhai Vitthalbhai Radadiya: He won the state polls from Jetpur. Radadiya is the young face of Leuva Patel community and son of BJP leader Vithalbhai Radadiya.

Saurabh Patel: Five-time MLA, Patel won the assembly election from Akota and is an MBA from US.

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama: He is the sitting education minister. Chudasma took oath as a Cabinet minister today.

Ganpat Vasava: He is a senior tribal leader who took oath as Cabinet minister today.

Kaushik Patel: He won the assembly election from BJP president Amit Shah&#39;s Narainpur seat. Patel took oath today as a Cabinet minister. This will be his first stint as a minister in Gujarat.

Dilip Thakor: Gujarat&#39;s Minister for Labour and Employment, Thakor again took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He won the assembly election from Chanasma.

Ishwarbhai Parmar: He is an MLA from Bardoli.

And here are the Ministers of State who joined the Rupani government:

Vibhaben Dave: The only woman to be sworn-in as Gujarat minister. She belongs to the Saurashtra region and is a three-time MLA. He belongs to th Brahmin community.

Babubhai Bokhiria: Also from Saurashtra, he took oath as MoS today.

Pradeepsinh Jadeja: Face of Kshatriya community, Jadeja is among the leaders trusted by both PM Modi and Amit Shah.

Parbatbhai Patel: Big face of Chaudhry-Patel community, the 69-year0old has previous experience as a minister in Gujarat.

Vasanbhai Ahir: He is the face of the BJP in Gujarat&#39;s Kutch region and is expected to play a key role in Gujarat politics.

Kishor Kanani: 55-year-old Kanani has won elections twice in the past. He belongs to Surat.

Purushottam Solanki: He is a famous leader of the Koli community and has vast political experience.

Ishwarsinh Patel: He is very close to BJP chief Amit Shah and face of the Koli Patel community. Patel holds an LLB degree.

Bachchubhia Khabad: The tribal leader has been roped in because of his tight grip on the community.

Jaydrathsinh Parmar: 53-year-old Parmar is a senior leader of the BJP and face of the Kshatriya community.

Ramanlal Patkar: The 65-year-old BJP leader won the election from Umergaon constituency, his fourth consecutive election victory.

This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in Gujarat.

Vijay Rupani took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat today along with 19 ministers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a galaxy of senior BJP leaders. This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in the state. With 99 MLAs, the BJP has a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115. In a show strength, several Union ministers and senior leaders of the party were also invited for the ceremony, besides saints and religious leaders of different faiths. The caste breakup of the ministry shows that the BJP is trying to woo the Patidar community. There are six Patel leaders in the 20-member Gujarat government, six from the OBCs, two Rajputs, three tribal leaders and one from Brahmin, Dalit and Jain community. Here's the list of Cabinet ministers who are a part of the Rupani-led government this time: Nitin Patel: He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister for a second consecutive time. He retained his Patidar-dominated Mehsana seat, defeating his Congress rival Jivabhai Patel. Patel has been in the BJP for the past 30 years. Ranchhodbhai Chanabhai Faldu: Former chief of Gujarat unit of the BJP, Faldu took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He is a Member of Legislative assembly from Kalavad constituency and belongs to the Leuva Patel community. Jayeshbhai Vitthalbhai Radadiya: He won the state polls from Jetpur. Radadiya is the young face of Leuva Patel community and son of BJP leader Vithalbhai Radadiya. Saurabh Patel: Five-time MLA, Patel won the assembly election from Akota and is an MBA from US. Bhupendrasinh Chudasama: He is the sitting education minister. Chudasma took oath as a Cabinet minister today. Ganpat Vasava: He is a senior tribal leader who took oath as Cabinet minister today. Kaushik Patel: He won the assembly election from BJP president Amit Shah's Narainpur seat. Patel took oath today as a Cabinet minister. This will be his first stint as a minister in Gujarat. Dilip Thakor: Gujarat's Minister for Labour and Employment, Thakor again took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He won the assembly election from Chanasma. Ishwarbhai Parmar: He is an MLA from Bardoli. And here are the Ministers of State who joined the Rupani government: Vibhaben Dave: The only woman to be sworn-in as Gujarat minister. She belongs to the Saurashtra region and is a three-time MLA. He belongs to th Brahmin community. Babubhai Bokhiria: Also from Saurashtra, he took oath as MoS today. Pradeepsinh Jadeja: Face of Kshatriya community, Jadeja is among the leaders trusted by both PM Modi and Amit Shah. Parbatbhai Patel: Big face of Chaudhry-Patel community, the 69-year0old has previous experience as a minister in Gujarat. Vasanbhai Ahir: He is the face of the BJP in Gujarat's Kutch region and is expected to play a key role in Gujarat politics. Kishor Kanani: 55-year-old Kanani has won elections twice in the past. He belongs to Surat. Purushottam Solanki: He is a famous leader of the Koli community and has vast political experience. Ishwarsinh Patel: He is very close to BJP chief Amit Shah and face of the Koli Patel community. Patel holds an LLB degree. Bachchubhia Khabad: The tribal leader has been roped in because of his tight grip on the community. Jaydrathsinh Parmar: 53-year-old Parmar is a senior leader of the BJP and face of the Kshatriya community. Ramanlal Patkar: The 65-year-old BJP leader won the election from Umergaon constituency, his fourth consecutive election victory.

Know the Gujarat ministers who took oath along with Vijay Rupani today

On the second day of his Navsarjan Yatra in poll-bound Gujarat, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-adds-to-long-list-of-gaffes-20108">Rahul Gandhi</a> addressed the assembly seats in&nbsp;Jamnagar, Rajkot and Morbi.&nbsp;

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Congress VP Rahul Gandhi begins day 2 of Navsarjan Yatra from Jamnagar, after a successful first day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AA%AF%E0%AB%81%E0%AA%B5%E0%AA%BE_%E0%AA%B0%E0%AB%8B%E0%AA%9C%E0%AA%97%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B0_%E0%AA%96%E0%AB%87%E0%AA%A1%E0%AB%82%E0%AA%A4_%E0%AA%85%E0%AA%A7%E0%AA%BF%E0%AA%95%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B0?src=hash">#????_??????_?????_??????</a> <a href="https://t.co/48JhBI7vGY">pic.twitter.com/48JhBI7vGY</a>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/912531893693718528">September 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi said the state government should run from Gujarat and not from Delhi.

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State government should run from Gujarat and not Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat&#39;s Khijadiya
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912558432502214656">September 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Taking a jibe at the central government, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-reacts-to-rahul-gandhis-artificial-intelligence-learning-19926">Rahul Gandhi </a>said the present government in Gujarat is being controlled through &quot;a remote control from Delhi&quot;.

&nbsp;

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Aajkal Gujarat ki sarkar remote control se chalti hai, Delhi se chalti hai: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/WSa26ydGPP">pic.twitter.com/WSa26ydGPP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912565296921157632">September 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Referring to the &#39;Make in India&#39; initiative, the Congress vice-president said that it is &quot;shameful that&nbsp;the &#39;Statue of Unity&#39; is being &#39;made in China&#39;.&quot;&nbsp;

The grand statue of unity is a tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel and is under construction in Gujarat.&nbsp;

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Sardar Patel ji ki murti ban rahi hai,aur wo bhi China me ban rahi hai.Uske peechey &#39;made in China&#39; likha hua hai,sharm ki baat hai-R Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/Zbaasjza0T">pic.twitter.com/Zbaasjza0T</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912580454099718151">September 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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( Also&nbsp;Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-a-dig-at-modi-after-bhu-clash-20648">Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Modi after BHU clash</a> )

The Congress vice-president is on a three-day visit to Gujarat.&nbsp;He began his first day on Monday by offering prayers at Dwarkadhish temple in Dwaraka followed by an address to the party workers and villagers in Bhatia village in Jamnagar district.

Taking a jibe at the central government, Rahul Gandhi said that the present government in Gujarat runs from a remote control from Delhi

On the second day of his Navsarjan Yatra in poll-bound Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi addressed the assembly seats in Jamnagar, Rajkot and Morbi. Congress VP Rahul Gandhi begins day 2 of Navsarjan Yatra from Jamnagar, after a successful first day. #????_??????_?????_?????? pic.twitter.com/48JhBI7vGY — Congress (@INCIndia) September 26, 2017 × Rahul Gandhi said the state government should run from Gujarat and not from Delhi. State government should run from Gujarat and not Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat's Khijadiya — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2017 × Taking a jibe at the central government, Rahul Gandhi said the present government in Gujarat is being controlled through "a remote control from Delhi". Aajkal Gujarat ki sarkar remote control se chalti hai, Delhi se chalti hai: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/WSa26ydGPP — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2017 × Referring to the 'Make in India' initiative, the Congress vice-president said that it is "shameful that the 'Statue of Unity' is being 'made in China'." The grand statue of unity is a tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel and is under construction in Gujarat. Sardar Patel ji ki murti ban rahi hai,aur wo bhi China me ban rahi hai.Uske peechey 'made in China' likha hua hai,sharm ki baat hai-R Gandhi pic.twitter.com/Zbaasjza0T — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2017 × ( Also Read: Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Modi after BHU clash ) The Congress vice-president is on a three-day visit to Gujarat. He began his first day on Monday by offering prayers at Dwarkadhish temple in Dwaraka followed by an address to the party workers and villagers in Bhatia village in Jamnagar district.