Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is gearing up for a Manhattan-like transformation with the redevelopment of Law Garden and Mithakhali into upscale streets featuring designer furniture and cutting-edge electrical fittings. However, this luxurious makeover comes at a significant cost—Rs 30 crore per kilometre of road.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has floated tenders for the project, estimated at Rs 194.21 crore, making these streets the city’s costliest. The tenders are divided into three components: civil works (Rs 97.10 crore), electrical installations (Rs 84.44 crore), and furniture (Rs 12.66 crore), with GST applicable. Bids are set to open on December 27.

Scope and Design

The project spans six roads, covering 6.68 km. In the first phase, Law Garden Street and the CG Road precinct (2.8 km) will undergo development at Rs 48.59 crore. Features include wide footpaths, extensive roadside plantations, a marketplace and public plaza at Law Garden, a dedicated vendor street, and a children’s play area.

Traffic and Amenities

The revamped areas aim to alleviate traffic congestion and create more recreational spaces. Modern amenities like benches, advanced bus stands, and cement concrete roads with central verges for smoother traffic flow will enhance functionality.

Concerns and Criticism

Opposition leader Shahezad Pathan raised concerns about the project’s cost and alleged irregularities, suggesting that alternative approaches, like reviving Law Garden’s iconic food street, might be more practical. He also criticized the inclusion of street furniture already underutilized on CG Road.