Ahmedabad Upgraded to High-Risk Quake Zone; Realty Faces 25% Cost Hike
Representative AI image AHMEDABAD: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a major revision in the seismic zoning for states across India, elevating Ahmedabad to a higher seismic risk category. The city’s classification has been upgraded from Zone III to Zone IV, a change that will affect the structural design of all new buildings approved after May 2026. Sources indicate that the new classifications will come into effect on May 3, 2026. Structural engineers will need to ensure buildings can withstand stronger earthquake forces, likely leading to an increase in material usage. Industry experts anticipate a 20-25% rise in…