The entry fees for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) much-anticipated annual flower show, set to open next month at the Sabarmati Riverfront, have been increased as part of an effort to control crowd movement. The fee for weekdays has risen from Rs 50 to Rs 70, while the weekend entry cost has been bumped up to Rs 100 from Rs 75. Additionally, visitors seeking a premium experience can pay Rs 500 to access an exclusive viewing area, elevating the overall event experience. The AMC attributes this decision to the show’s increasing popularity, which has caused significant crowding and traffic disruptions in past years.
The flower show, which saw 9.72 lakh visitors last year, has become a staple event for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Despite the large attendance, the event faced logistical challenges, including road closures from the flower park to Sardar Bridge on weekends and the need for increased police deployment. The rise in fees is seen as a necessary measure to streamline crowd management, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not overwhelm the infrastructure around the venue. However, this price increase has raised questions about accessibility for families and lower-income visitors who may find the higher fees prohibitive.
AMC’s investment in this year’s flower show has also been ramped up. With a projected expenditure of Rs 15.10 crore, up from Rs 11.44 crore last year, the corporation aims to offer a broader variety of flowers, more stalls, and improved facilities for visitors. This will include better crowd control measures and enhanced amenities to accommodate the growing number of attendees. While the show remains a major revenue generator—last year, it contributed Rs 6.52 crore in revenue—the cost of running such a large-scale event has steadily increased.
From a sustainability perspective, the flower show underscores the growing importance of eco-tourism and urban green spaces in cities. With initiatives to expand floral displays and environmental awareness, the event also promotes sustainable practices by encouraging visitors to engage with nature in an urban setting. However, balancing the commercial success of the event with the need to make it accessible to all remains a challenge for the AMC, which is working to ensure that the flower show remains a symbol of Ahmedabad’s cultural and environmental commitment.