GANDHINAGAR: The state government is considering a plan to expand Ahmedabad by merging five neighboring municipalities into the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The municipalities considered for inclusion are Sanand, Mehemdabad, Bareja, Kalol, and Dahegam.
The proposal’s timing is crucial, coinciding with the municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 2026. This merger would significantly enhance Ahmedabad’s geographic and demographic scope.
“The motivation behind this initiative is to promote coordinated urban development. The selected areas have experienced significant growth, necessitating organized infrastructure planning and essential services. Unifying these regions under a single administrative body could enhance service delivery and infrastructure improvement,” sources from the government stated.
Urban areas like Sanand and Kalol have seen rapid growth in residential and industrial sectors in recent years. Sanand, a longstanding automobile industry hub, is now witnessing the emergence of semiconductor and specialized industries. Likewise, Kalol has experienced a surge in both residential communities and industrial facilities. “These municipalities face challenges in keeping up with this growth through proper infrastructure development, including roads and drainage systems. A synchronized approach will facilitate timely upgrades to infrastructure in these areas,” the sources noted.
However, this proposal could introduce various challenges. The AMC will have to invest significantly in upgrading infrastructure in the newly incorporated regions, including water supply, sewer systems, road infrastructure, and public transportation. “The financial implications of providing these services will be considerable, requiring the AMC to make substantial investments to meet urban standards,” sources emphasized.
“Following the merger, residents in the newly integrated areas may experience increased municipal taxes, potentially leading to initial pushback. The AMC will need to create a balanced taxation approach while ensuring the quality of services,” officials advised.
The administration will also face challenges, such as restructuring ward boundaries to ensure adequate representation for the newly merged areas. “The civic body will need to enhance its workforce and establish new offices to effectively serve these regions,” officials revealed.
“The merger proposal requires a thorough assessment of infrastructure needs, financial consequences, administrative capacity, public sentiment, and service delivery methods,” officials stated. The successful merger of Bopal-Ghuma in 2020 can provide valuable insights for this proposed expansion. “Nevertheless, each area presents distinct challenges and requirements. The AMC must devise tailored strategies for each region based on their current development status and future needs,” they added.
