The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is poised to approve the construction of a pioneering ‘Urban House’ in the Navrangpura ward.
This proposed 10-storey facility, estimated at a cost of ₹96 crore, aims to centralise the critical functions of the Urban Development, City Planning, and Estate Departments. Expected to be completed within two and a half years, this integrated hub promises to revolutionise how citizens interact with the civic body, fostering greater efficiency, transparency, and convenience in urban planning processes.
Currently, citizens navigating tasks related to development maps, land and plot opinions, zoning certificates, or betterment charges often face the arduous task of visiting multiple AMC offices scattered across the city. The envisioned Urban House directly addresses this challenge by consolidating all these essential services under a single roof. This centralisation is not merely a logistical simplification; it is a fundamental shift towards a more citizen-centric administration, designed to save time, reduce bureaucracy, and provide a seamless experience for Ahmedabad’s residents. This move is crucial for enhancing equitable access to civic services for all citizens. The proposed Urban House will rise on the road connecting NCC Circle to Nagari Hospital in Navrangpura, boasting a substantial built-up area of 26,360 square metres. The design incorporates two spacious basements for parking, a welcoming ground floor, and ten upper floors dedicated to various departmental functions. Adding a touch of green to the urban landscape, the facility will also feature a 1,055-square-metre garden, providing a much-needed open space for relaxation and improving urban aesthetics.
A key highlight of this project is its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani affirmed that the planning adheres to the stringent standards required for a Platinum Rating as per the Indian Green Building Council. This commitment translates into tangible eco-friendly features, including on-site solar power generation to reduce reliance on grid electricity, robust water conservation measures, the extensive use of green building materials to minimise embodied carbon, and an advanced wastewater reuse system. These elements collectively underscore the AMC’s dedication to developing a zero-net carbon, eco-friendly infrastructure that serves as a benchmark for sustainable urban development.
The technologically advanced Urban House will accommodate a comprehensive array of departments and facilities. This includes the Building Plan Scrutiny Pool Department, the Town Planning Officer’s office, a dedicated document record room, a state-of-the-art training centre, a GIS cell for spatial data management, and a secure server room. Employee amenities such as a cafeteria and canteen will also be provided. The two basements are meticulously designed to offer ample parking, with capacity for 140 four-wheelers and 1,184 two-wheelers, directly addressing urban parking challenges. Furthermore, a modern, WiFi-enabled conference room will facilitate collaborative decision-making and efficient civic discourse.
The financial viability of this significant investment is supported by the impressive revenue generation from the Estate and allied departments. These departments collectively generated ₹1,170 crore in 2022–23, which surged to ₹2,017 crore in 2023–24, and further escalated to ₹2,765 crore in 2024–25. This consistent growth in revenue provides a solid financial foundation for the Urban House project, demonstrating a strong return on investment in enhancing civic infrastructure and services. The construction of the Urban House in Navrangpura marks a pivotal moment for Ahmedabad, setting a precedent for smart, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban governance that prioritises the well-being and convenience of its residents.
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