The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has incurred a INR 45.94 crore cost overrun after blacklisting two firms for failing to complete housing projects in Motera and Thaltej. The Motera-Koteshwar project, originally tendered at INR 67.53 crore, now requires INR 104.36 crore to complete, while the Thaltej project's cost rose from INR 11.75 crore to INR 20.86 crore. New contractors have been appointed, but recovering the additional expenditure from the blacklisted firms remains uncertain. The delays highlight AMC's challenges in contractor accountability and project management, emphasizing the need for stricter monitoring and efficient governance to ensure timely, cost-effective housing development.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Ahmedabad Metro is a transformative rapid transit system designed to modernize urban mobility in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Phase 1, fully operational by October 2022 at a cost of INR 10,773 crore, spans 40.03 km across two corridors: the Red Line (North-South) and the Blue Line (East-West), connecting key areas with 33 stations. It has significantly reduced traffic congestion, cut travel times, and provided an eco-friendly alternative to road transport. Phase 2, underway at an estimated cost of INR 5,384 crore, will add 28.26 km, enhancing regional connectivity, including links to Gandhinagar and GIFT City. With plans for a future Phase 3, the Ahmedabad Metro exemplifies urban innovation, sustainability, and progress, shaping Gujarat's infrastructure landscape.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its efforts to recover property tax arrears from residential societies. On Tuesday, 748 properties across the East and South Zones were sealed, and notices were issued to 147 societies warning of water and sewer disconnections for unpaid dues. The AMC also introduced public shaming by affixing stickers on defaulters' properties. It has since recovered Rs. 18.86 lakhs. In the East Zone, the civic body initiated property auctions and added encumbrances to 18 properties, with Rs. 3.29 crore worth of encumbrances recorded over the year. These measures aim to enforce compliance and improve tax recovery.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) reclaimed reserved plots and cleared encroachments in the Gota, Thaltej, Jagatpur, and Sola areas as part of its urban planning initiatives. In Gota's TP scheme 56, AMC secured an 8,800 sq. m residential plot and a 420 sq. m open space plot. In Thaltej's TP scheme 214, two commercial plots, measuring 1,088 sq. m and 5,824 sq. m, were reclaimed. In Jagatpur's TP scheme 34, land reserved for housing the urban poor was cleared, while illegal structures obstructing roads in Sola's TP schemes 42 and 43 were removed. These efforts demonstrate AMC's commitment to sustainable urban development, reclaiming land for planned growth, and improving infrastructure access in Ahmedabad.Read more

PNT Reporter

The East Zone officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have sealed 333 properties belonging to tax defaulters, successfully collecting INR 43.25 lakh in overdue property taxes after issuing notices. To prevent property sealing, some defaulters submitted advance cheques totaling INR 45 lakh. In an effort to enhance compliance, the property tax department has implemented stricter measures, placing liens on the revenue records of 176 defaulters. Recently, officials placed liens on 16 properties, with proceedings ongoing for 84 more.Read more

Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which serves over 35,000 passengers daily, is set to gain direct connectivity to the city's metro network. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has submitted a proposal for a new six-kilometre metro route, estimated at INR 1,800 crore, to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This Phase-2B extension will include four stations, with the airport station designed underground to preserve its skyline. The new route will branch from Motera, near the Narendra Modi Stadium, and pass through Koteshwar and Koba. Approval for this expansion is currently pending.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) recently auctioned 13 plots but succeeded in selling only four, achieving impressive returns on each. The highest bid was for a 4,658 sq m plot in Bodakdev, which sold for INR 3.07 lakh per square metre, totaling INR 143 crore-well above its INR 125.76 crore base price. The total revenue from the four plots reached INR 235.97 crore, exceeding the base price of INR 194.57 crore by over INR 40 crore. This success reflects strong real estate demand in the region, with the AMC set to finalize sales after an upcoming standing committee approval.Read more

In response to complaints about dust and PM10 pollution from construction sites, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has started monitoring air quality using real-time data from sensors at 22 sites. Builders are required to install sensors at sites of 10,000 square metres or larger. The AMC's 2021-22 study of 452 construction sites revealed that construction activities, industrial operations, and increased vehicle numbers significantly contribute to air pollution. In addition to monitoring, new regulations, including measures like dust control and proper waste management, aim to mitigate air quality issues and ensure compliance, with penalties for repeated violations.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) directive requiring CCTV cameras at large construction sites to monitor dust emissions has stalled due to builders' privacy concerns. As part of AMC's 'Good Construction Practices' initiative to curb air pollution, sites over 10,000 square meters were mandated to install at least four cameras with a 20-meter range and one month of backup storage. Builders, however, argue that live surveillance infringes on privacy, leading many to resist full compliance. While some have installed cameras at entry and exit points, the AMC has faced difficulties enforcing the live feed requirement. The situation highlights the challenge of balancing environmental regulations with privacy rights in the construction sector.Read more

The Ahmedabad town planning committee has approved significant modifications to the Makarba TP scheme 204, allowing development permissions for plots as small as 300 square metres in the R3 zone. The scheme, which covers 1,121.19 hectares and includes land for various purposes, will reserve 11.7% of plots for residential and commercial sales. The changes come amidst ongoing controversies regarding past corruption allegations linked to settlement agreements benefiting VVIP landowners.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) recently sold a 66,168 sq m plot in Chandkheda to LuLu International Shopping Malls Pvt Ltd for a notable INR 519 crore. However, AMC initially faced issues granting full possession, as 10,672 sq m of the plot was under cultivation and not fully owned by the civic body. Sources now confirm that AMC has obtained the entire plot, and a proposal will be presented at the upcoming standing committee meeting to authorize the municipal commissioner to finalize the sale deed, enabling the buyer to gain full possession.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) took significant action earlier this month by demolishing 23 illegal structures in the Fatehwadi area of Sarkhej, which included 22 residential buildings and one commercial property. These followed notices issued for a total of 51 illegal units across the region. After individuals responsible for the constructions petitioned the Gujarat High Court, the court initially granted a status quo but later ordered the petitioners to remove the structures voluntarily. With the petitioners failing to comply, the AMC proceeded with the demolition, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing urban regulations and maintaining compliance with building laws.Read more

On August 17, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner M. Thennarasan issued a public notice requiring all residential and commercial buildings older than 15 years to submit structural stability certificates within 15 days. Despite the urgency, no certificates have been submitted, reflecting widespread non-compliance. The requirement, first introduced in 2014 under the Ahmedabad General Development Control Regulations (GDCR), mandates inspections by structural engineers for older buildings. However, enforcement has been weak, and many property owners remain unaware or indifferent to the rule. The lack of action raises serious concerns about public safety, prompting the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to consider stricter enforcement measures.Read more

Earlier this month Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Phase II of the Metro rail extension connecting Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The new phase, spanning 21 kilometers and linking crucial areas like GIFT City, offers a significant reduction in travel time. Commuters can now travel between APMC and GIFT City in under an hour for INR 35. Developed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation with backing from both state and Central governments, this extension addresses a key connectivity challenge between the twin cities, improving transportation for professionals, students, and tourists.Read more

Last week, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) demolished over 35 illegal structures in the Sarkhej Ward. Despite issuing notices under Section 260 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation (GPMC) Act, 1949, and sealing the construction sites, developers did not comply. Consequently, the AMC proceeded with the demolition in coordination with Sarkhej police. The operation targeted unauthorized residential row houses and commercial units near Hid Park and Masjid-e-Abeda, resulting in the dismantling of 17 residential and 18 commercial units.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) seized the Highland building on CG Road after property taxes of INR 1.84 crore remained unpaid for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Despite multiple notices, the owner or occupant did not settle the dues. Following an unsuccessful auction to recover the outstanding amount, the AMC took over the property. This action reinforces the AMC's commitment to enforcing property tax regulations, emphasizing the importance of timely payments to support municipal services and infrastructure development.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to revolutionise its Transferable Development Rights (TDR) management by integrating blockchain technology. Moving away from error-prone manual processes, the new system will use blockchain to digitise TDRs, enhance transparency, and prevent fraud. The initiative will also extend to digital issuance of various certificates and licences. Key features include automated smart contracts, a public verification portal, and a comprehensive audit trail. Additionally, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and e-signatures will streamline document processing and approvals, ensuring a secure and efficient system.Read more

Pulse Candy, a leading brand of Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), has been featured in a prestigious Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) case study. This recognition highlights Pulse Candy's journey from a disruptive market entry to industry leadership in the hard-boiled candy segment. The study examines DS Group's innovative marketing strategies, market identification, and product differentiation that propelled Pulse Candy to success. It covers the brand's launch, its unique appeal with tangy raw mango flavor, and its achievement of INR 1 billion in sales within eight months, despite challenges like counterfeits and shortages. This case study serves as an inspiring example of effective market strategy.Read more

After years of delays, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) in Ahmedabad is advancing with the development of four strategic plots along the Sabarmati Riverfront. With base prices set at INR 23,676 per square metre for the western plots and INR 19,982 per square metre for the eastern plots, SRFDCL aims to unlock the area's real estate potential. The initiative, part of a larger plan to develop 17 plots over 149,000 square metres, is expected to boost Ahmedabad's urban landscape, enhancing public spaces and driving future investments.Read more

The Makarba Town Planning (TP) Scheme 204 controversy is nearing resolution as a state-appointed committee - Ahmedabad recommends a 40% reduction in plot sizes for around 50 high-profile landowners. This move aims to address years of alleged irregularities in land use. The scheme, covering 1,100 hectares in sought-after zones like Sarkhej and Vejalpur, faced accusations of favoritism since 2007. A thorough investigation confirmed these claims, and the revised plan now awaits approval from the AMC and state government. The resolution could mark a shift toward greater accountability and transparency in Ahmedabad's urban planning.Read more