On Thursday, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Commissioner M Thennarasan presented the annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, announcing a total allocation of ₹14,001 crore. The budget is divided into two primary segments: ₹6,200 crore for the Revenue Budget and ₹7,801 crore for the Capital Budget.
Key Budget Highlights
Several development projects have been proposed to enhance the city’s infrastructure and urban amenities. Among the major initiatives is the construction of 15,000 new housing units, with a budget of ₹2,300 crore allocated for this purpose. The road development sector also receives significant attention, with plans to build new roads and resurface approximately 550 km of existing roads, at an estimated cost of ₹1,200 crore.
Other major infrastructure projects include the rehabilitation of 43 km of roads under World Bank funding, costing ₹1,000 crore, and the development of the Riverfront Phase-3, which spans from Indira Bridge to the Narmada Main Canal, also proposed at ₹1,000 crore.
In the transportation sector, AMC has proposed the construction of five railway overbridges with cost-sharing arrangements, estimated at ₹890 crore. Additionally, flyover bridges and underpasses at four locations are planned, with an allocation of ₹500 crore. A new 14 km iconic road development from Narol Circle to Naroda Patiya Road is set to be constructed at a cost of ₹140 crore.
AMC has also allocated ₹140 crore for the creation of Open Sports Complex-07, including an athletic track. Further, an integrated commercial street development over 20 km and a new water treatment plant with 400 MLD capacity in the West zone Jaspur area, costing ₹185 crore and ₹200 crore, respectively, are key parts of the infrastructure overhaul.
Other initiatives include the construction of eight new water distribution stations with an estimated cost of ₹268 crore and fire-fighting equipment acquisition at ₹125.30 crore.
Environmental and Climate Resilience Initiatives
A notable highlight in the budget is the focus on sustainability and climate resilience. AMC has outlined plans for water management through the development of lakes and water-based projects. The budget includes provisions for the development of three lakes with waterfronts, along with water-related improvements to 17 lakes and interlinking at 11 locations, at a total cost of ₹100 crore.
Further emphasizing the city’s climate goals, AMC’s 2025-26 budget aligns with the “Ahmedabad Climate Resilient City Action Plan – Towards Net Zero Future 2070.” The budget has been dubbed the “Sustainable and Climate Budget 2025-26,” as it incorporates environmentally-friendly initiatives such as the use of recycled materials, renewable resources, and energy-efficient construction machinery for road building.
Sports Infrastructure and Development
In preparation for the 2036 Olympics, AMC has made provisions for sports infrastructure development across various zones in the city to enhance sporting activities. Roads around key sports venues such as the Narendra Modi Stadium, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, and Naranpura Sports Complex will also undergo development with a sports-themed design.
Detailed Road Development Projects
The budget includes 36 major road projects with a total length of 72.55 km, at an estimated cost of ₹331 crore. These include roads connecting metro stations, heritage-themed roads, cultural districts, and roads supporting business and entertainment hubs.
Net Zero and Green Construction Focus
In line with the city’s commitment to sustainability, the AMC has dedicated resources to the Net Zero initiative, focusing on using recycled, renewable, and locally sourced materials for road construction. The use of permeable pavements and energy-efficient machinery will also be prioritized to reduce the carbon footprint of urban development projects.