AHMEDABAD: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is leasing thousands of valuable commercial properties across the city for a mere monthly fee of Rs 100 to Rs 500. Facing a severe shortage of staff, the civic body is now implementing a digital transformation and taking on a few properties for redevelopment.
An in-depth audit shows that the AMC possesses 3,778 commercial rental properties, with nearly half (1,830) located in the Central Zone of the city. A senior AMC official noted that many of these attractive locations are locked into long-term leases for “insignificant amounts.” Zonal estate departments, typically operating with just one or two staff members burdened with additional responsibilities, have historically lacked motivation to collect these nominal rents.
The official acknowledged, “A significant number of our commercial properties have been leased for a long time at Rs 100, Rs 200, or Rs 500. Due to the staff shortage, there is little enthusiasm for collecting even this modest revenue.”
Further exacerbating the financial issues is the poor condition of many properties. A large portion is in a state of disrepair, prompting the AMC to issue notices banning their use, in accordance with government directives.
To address these challenges, the AMC has launched a comprehensive digital platform to document and monitor all property entries, ensuring accountability. The civic body is now focusing on profitable redevelopment opportunities. “Prominent but underutilized real estate, such as the Municipal Market on CG Road, has been earmarked for complete modernization to enhance its commercial viability,” the official stated.
