Ahmedabad’s ₹14,001 Crore Draft Budget for 2025-26 Focuses on Infrastructure, Housing, and Transport
The outgoing Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, M Thennarasan, presented a ₹14,001 crore draft budget for the civic body’s 2025-26 fiscal year. The proposed budget aims to address key areas such as road development, affordable housing, public transport, and healthcare facilities. With a focus on sustainable growth, urban mobility, and civic wellbeing, the budget plans to reshape the city’s future.
One of the key proposals in the budget is the development of 550 km of roads, including both new town planning roads and the redevelopment of existing routes. The plan also includes the construction of 36 thematic roads with a total length of 72.55 km. These roads, planned with a budget of ₹331 crore, will be categorised around sectors such as healthcare, education, sports, business, and heritage. Additionally, major infrastructure projects like the construction of four flyovers, an underpass, and a 14-km-long iconic road connecting Narol Circle and Naroda Patiya are also part of the budget. These initiatives are expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in key areas of the city.
In an effort to modernise public transport and reduce carbon emissions, Ahmedabad plans to introduce 120 electric AC buses to its AMTS fleet. These buses will be part of a larger initiative that includes 100 mini electric buses for last-mile connectivity and the construction of new transport hubs. Notably, the draft budget also allocates ₹25 crore for setting up 100 additional traffic junctions, which will improve traffic management and commuter safety. One of the most exciting aspects of the budget is the introduction of a Multi-Modal Transport Hub at the RTO Circle and Naroda, aimed at streamlining transport services. In addition, the city plans to explore the feasibility of establishing a Light Railway Transport (LRT) system, including trams, to further enhance urban mobility.
The budget also addresses the growing demand for affordable housing, with ₹2,300 crore earmarked for the construction of 15,000 affordable homes. These homes are part of the larger goal of addressing the housing shortage in the city. The city’s development plans include urban plazas, sports complexes, a Craft and City museum, and a Science and Future Museum, with a total allocation for these urban amenities standing at ₹331 crore. Healthcare remains a top priority for Ahmedabad, with provisions for setting up new Urban Health Centres (UHCs), along with the renovation of existing facilities. As part of the budget, five new UHCs will be built, bringing the total number to 100 across the city. The draft also includes the expansion of municipal hospitals, with MRI facilities being added to Shardaben and Thaltej CHC. Furthermore, the city plans to improve fire safety services by building three new fire stations in Lambha, Ramol-Hathijan, and Shahibaug, at a total cost of ₹54 crore.
In addition to the urban infrastructure, the budget includes several environmental and cultural initiatives. These include the creation of a 100-acre biodiversity park in Gyaspur, a tropical forest at the Sabarmati Riverfront, and the redevelopment of heritage sites such as Gaekwad Haveli. A new exhibition-performance-convention centre will be built behind the Event Centre to further enhance Ahmedabad’s cultural offerings. The budget also calls for beautification and green initiatives, including vertical gardening projects on major underpasses and new city squares, aimed at improving the aesthetic appeal of public spaces. The ₹14,001 crore draft budget for 2025-26 reflects Ahmedabad’s commitment to becoming a modern, sustainable, and well-connected city. With a strong focus on infrastructure, affordable housing, public transport, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, the proposed budget sets the stage for a city that meets the needs of its growing population. The implementation of these ambitious plans will not only improve the quality of life for Ahmedabad’s residents but also position the city as a model for urban development in India.
