Gandhinagar: As the city prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ or manifesto for Ahmedabad city, released ahead of the municipal corporation election later this month, has promised a range of projects focused on strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding green initiatives. With the aim of promoting a sports culture among youth and citizens, the ruling BJP in the AMC has proposed the setting up of smart sports complexes in every ward of the city. Besides this, sports activity facilities have been planned beneath every bridge, enabling sports enthusiasts to practise different disciplines. The AMC expects to save nearly Rs 3,000 crore annually through the implementation of solar energy projects. In addition, the BJP-led civic body has proposed floating solar power projects on city lakes as well as on the Sabarmati river. Giving priority to infrastructure, healthcare and housing, the BJP manifesto for the AMC election has announced the construction of 17 new bridges and three underpasses, giving Ahmedabad the distinction of hosting the country’s longest riverfront. It has also promised construction of 50,000 new housing units under the slum-free city mission and free medical services at home for senior citizens above 70 years of age. The BJP-led AMC aims to raise the number of CHCs to 20 and PHCs to more than 100. The manifesto further states that Ahmedabad will have the distinction of developing the country’s longest riverfront. It said that 11.5km of the riverfront project has already been completed and that the initiative is being implemented to enhance tourism and recreational facilities in the city. According to the Sankalp Patra, the city’s water treatment capacity will be scaled up from the current 1,750 MLD to 2,300 MLD, while GPS-based upgradation of the water supply network will be carried out under a proposed smart water management system. Re-fabrication of 500 kilometres of drainage lines has also been assured. A total of 28 new fire stations have been promised over two years — 15 in 2026-27 and 13 in 2027-28. The manifesto also proposes the establishment of a new centre for advanced firefighting, rescue and water rescue operations. Assuring implementation of an AI-based traffic signal system, the manifesto states that 100 free left turns will be developed and multimodal hubs will be created outside the city limits for ST and private buses. Introduction of pink buses for women and a uniform ticketing system for AMTS and BRTS commuters has also been proposed. Additional measures for women include pink toilets in every ward and exclusive gym, yoga and pranayam centres. Among the other assurances, the BJP said the civic body aims to increase Ahmedabad’s green cover from 12.5% to 18% over the next five years, with urban plantations planned along railway tracks passing through the city. The manifesto also promises setting up of an ‘Ahmedabad Haat’ in the eastern part of the city and introduction of five new heritage routes, besides developing new party plots at Bopal, Kathwada, Vinzol, Nikol, Lambha and Naroda.
