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Unfulfilled Promises in Ahmedabad’s Election Manifesto
Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, April 18, 2026
To secure victory in the 2026 general elections of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Rishikesh Patel released the BJP’s election manifesto—the *Sankalp Patra* (Pledge Document)—at the party’s Ahmedabad office and made a series of promises. In reality, however, these promises merely echo those outlined in the 2025-26 budget and those made by the previous Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation administration. The previous manifesto had claimed that 96 percent of its promises had been fulfilled. Yet, the reality tells a different story; the promises remain unfulfilled. Due to the lack of action on the pledges made, conditions have deteriorated rather than improved.
**A Slum-Free City**
The most significant promise within the election manifesto is the pledge to make Ahmedabad a “slum-free” city by providing permanent housing to the 800,000 people currently residing in its slums and shanties. As is the case with every election, this promise has been reiterated once again—a pledge that has been made consistently for years.
The promise stated that the city would be rendered slum-free, setting a target of constructing 50,000 homes. The direct implication of this is that 50,000 families—comprising approximately 300,000 individuals—are still living in slums.
The reality behind this promise is that only 5,000 homes have actually been constructed through the redevelopment of 11 specific slum areas. While several slums have indeed undergone redevelopment—and some have been cleared under Town Planning (TP) schemes—and private developers have demolished slums to construct permanent housing in their place, the Municipal Corporation itself has failed to invest any funds from the city’s substantial ₹18,000 crore budget toward this initiative.
As of 2026, Ahmedabad remains home to between 650 and 700 slums, housing a population of 700,000 people. Despite the declarations of creating a “slum-free city,” impoverished citizens continue to reside in areas devoid of even the most basic amenities. During the period of 2011–2013, an announcement was made to create “slum-free cities.” An action plan was formulated for this purpose. However, the work remains incomplete even after 15 years.
**The “Death Gate”**
Another crucial promise made was that of a “gate-free city”—a city free of railway level crossings.
However, the reality is stark: in Ahmedabad alone, out of 1,617 incidents recorded at unmanned railway crossings, 373 people lost their lives. Similarly, 202 people in Rajkot, 318 in Surat, and 182 in Vadodara lost their lives in accidents occurring at unmanned railway crossings.
The highest number of accidents at unmanned railway crossings occur between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
**A Shortfall of 37 Bridges**
In November 2019, under the State Government’s “Gate-Free Gujarat” scheme, plans were laid out to construct 37 railway overbridges and underpasses at railway crossings across urban areas. The Gujarat government had approved the construction of 5 railway overbridges and 10 railway underpasses—a figure significantly lower than the original target.
Specifically, in Ahmedabad alone, the plan called for the construction of 7 railway overbridges and 14 railway underpasses. In the initial phase, 15 projects were approved. The funding model stipulated that the State Government would contribute 50 percent of the cost, while the Municipal Corporation was responsible for bearing the remaining 50 percent.
In November 2019, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation submitted a proposal to the State Government to construct 24 railway overbridges and underpasses at an estimated cost of ₹431.37 crore.
However, the Railway Administration—operating under the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—refused to provide funding for underpass projects at several key locations: Sabarmati D-Cabin, Hebatpur-Thaltej, Vande Mataram, Ritu Bangla (New Ranip-Gota), and near the Agiyarsi Temple (New Vadaj-Naranpura). Consequently, the State Government decided to construct these underpasses entirely at its own expense (100 percent funding). Neither the previous government led by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani nor the current government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was able to voice any dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this matter. In November 2019, the Railways announced plans to construct underpasses. These include locations such as Vatva, Vinzol, Vande Mataram, Gota–Tragad–Charodi, Umabhavani, Chandkheda–IOC, Chandkheda–Sabarmati, D-Cabin–Hebatpur, Thaltej–Vande Mataram B, Ritu Bungalows, Gota–Agyarasi Temple, Naranpura–Jalaram Temple, and Paldi. Additionally, 26 more underpasses were slated for construction outside Ahmedabad.
**1,006 Gatekeepers**
The 1,006 gatekeepers working within the Ahmedabad Division are occasionally required to work shifts lasting up to 24 hours. Incidents involving trains getting stalled at railway gates frequently occur during the night.
**69 Railway Gates**
By 2020, flyovers or underpasses were projected to be in place at 33 of these gates. It was first announced in 2018 that the entire network—100 percent of the gates—would eventually be made “gate-free.” Records indicate that 50 percent of this work has since been completed.
**Traffic Signals**
The election manifesto once again outlined a plan to develop AI-based traffic signal systems.
The budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year highlighted the necessity of developing traffic signals utilizing AI-based technology. This system would be capable of conducting real-time analysis of vehicular traffic, thereby aiding in the mitigation of traffic congestion. A budgetary allocation of ₹20 crore was earmarked for this initiative.
On June 25, 2015, the Government of India designated Ahmedabad as one of the 100 “Smart Cities” selected nationwide—specifically, one of the six cities chosen from the state of Gujarat. Under this initiative, a budget allocation of ₹15 crore was made to cover the upgrade of the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), modernization of CCTV and video analytics systems, improvements in traffic management and smart signal systems, real-time data monitoring and dashboard development, integration of IoT sensors and field devices, strengthening of emergency response systems, upgrades to cybersecurity and data safety, enhancements to software, hardware, and network infrastructure, system maintenance and staff training, as well as monitoring, evaluation, and technical support. This scheme has remained incomplete for over 10 years. Promises were made, but the reality is that the city currently has 300 traffic signals. Approximately 5 percent of these signals are non-functional; specifically, 14 to 15 signals remain out of order at any given time. During the summer season, signals are frequently switched off.
In 2026, 78 traffic signals are scheduled to be switched off during the afternoon hours. Several junctions lack traffic signals entirely, and the signal timings are often erratic. Furthermore, 160 traffic signals are currently not equipped with CCTV cameras. The election manifesto had also announced the establishment of 100 dedicated “Left Turn” lanes.
Green Light
In 2025, an Adaptive Traffic Control (ATC) system is set to be introduced at 400 traffic junctions across Ahmedabad to help alleviate traffic congestion.
An announcement regarding this initiative was made. The traffic signals are synchronized.
Since this is a synchronous system, as soon as a green signal is received at one junction, the subsequent junction also receives a green signal. Consequently, the time spent waiting at traffic signals is reduced.
An Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) has been introduced in Ahmedabad to alleviate the traffic load. A central server was established to facilitate this.
The system comprises the Adaptive Traffic Control System itself, vehicle detection sensors, intelligent and connected controllers, a communication network, a central server providing real-time data on traffic conditions at junctions, corridor and area-specific traffic status, ATCS software, traffic simulation software, enhanced traffic visibility features, and various signage—including fixed signboards, among other components.
The entire system was designed to be integrated into a single interface. This was intended to provide real-time data on traffic conditions, thereby enabling effective urban planning and management based on the prevailing traffic situation.
However, the city is not being managed in accordance with this system. In practice, the system is predominantly utilized solely for the purpose of issuing fines.
Prior to the implementation of this system, a survey was conducted across 300 junctions. Furthermore, plans were in place to develop 100 new junctions and to roll out the ATCS scheme at approximately 400 junctions. Currently, there are 301 traffic signals operational within the city.
Road Markings — Seven years ago, Surya Wall Care Chem Pvt. Ltd. was awarded a contract worth ₹58 lakh—at a price 32% lower than the standard rate—to paint yellow and white thermoplastic stripes on speed bumps. Despite an annual expenditure of ₹100 crore on road markings across Ahmedabad and Surat, the work is not being executed to the required standards.
By 2019, over a four-year period, e-memos totaling ₹78 crore in fines were issued in Ahmedabad for traffic signal violations (signal jumping); however, only ₹24 crore of this amount was actually recovered. Electric Buses
A promise was made that 3,000 electric buses would be procured by 2030. This is a commendable promise.
However, the reality in 2026 is that only 400 electric buses are currently operational.
The acquisition of 1,000 new electric buses was announced. There are currently 1,100 buses in total, of which 750 belong to the AMTS (Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service), while approximately 350 belong to the BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System).
Bridges
Promises have been made regarding the construction of bridges. However, the corruption surrounding the Khokhra Bridge scandal casts a shadow that cannot be erased by these promises. In the 2026-27 budget, an allocation of ₹50 crore was made for the construction of underpasses, underbridges, and overbridges. Plans included 17 new bridges, as well as the expansion of the Subhash Bridge into an 8-lane structure. The reality, however, is that there are currently only about 92 bridges across the city, including those spanning railway lines.
Despite the construction of 46 flyovers over the last 15 years, traffic congestion remains unchanged.
The target was to construct 100 new bridges or flyovers within a 10-year span; the actual number falls short of this goal.
Playgrounds
The promise was that a playground would be developed in every municipal ward, and dedicated sports activity zones would be created beneath bridges. However, there are currently only 70 designated spaces for sports and recreation.
Of these, 45 consist of gyms and playgrounds. These facilities include 6 skating rinks, 5 sports centers, and 7 tennis courts.
In reality, every individual ideally requires 9 to 12 square meters of open space; however, in Ahmedabad, each resident has access to a mere 1.3 square meters of open space—representing a shortfall of 7 to 8 times the required standard.
The city lacks sufficient open space for children and athletes.
There is a need for 245 new playgrounds. In December 2023, a decision was made to develop sports grounds on 245 designated plots across Ahmedabad. This initiative, too, has failed to materialize. Claims are being made that 27 new playgrounds are currently under construction; however, as of 2024, not a single one of these plots has been fully developed. In the initial phase, 19 plots had been selected for development. In the 2026-27 budget, it was announced that—to provide sports facilities to citizens right in their own neighborhoods—a sports ground would be developed in the Vastral Ward of the Vatva Assembly constituency, a mini sports complex in the India Colony Ward, and sports complexes, playgrounds, and other necessary infrastructure for sports activities beneath overbridges across various wards of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation; for this purpose, an additional allocation of ₹33 crore was made in the budget. Notably, 1,200 private schools in Ahmedabad lack sports ground facilities. Sports grounds are essential for reducing the incidence of heart disease and the need for emergency medical treatment. Ahmedabad receives 24,460 calls for emergency medical assistance annually—a figure five times higher than that of Surat. Ahmedabad recorded the highest number of hospital admissions for cardiac treatment, totaling 24,460 patients. On average, 67 people are hospitalized daily in Ahmedabad due to heart-related complications. Ahmedabad accounts for 30% of all such cases registered in Gujarat. Compared to 2023, there was a 15.47% increase in calls related to heart-related issues in Ahmedabad in 2024.
Pollution
In the 2026 election manifesto, a pledge was made to expand the city’s green cover as a measure to curb pollution. However, all previous projects undertaken in this regard have either remained incomplete or ended in failure.
The reality is that, across an area of 480 square kilometers, the green cover stands at a mere 12% to 12.5%—amounting to just 67 square kilometers. Ideally, this figure should be 30%. Per capita, every individual should have access to 9 square meters of green space; currently, this figure stands at a mere 1.5 square meters. Furthermore, trees should constitute 16% of the total land area.
The city currently possesses a total of 1.2 million trees.
Projects worth ₹91 crore have been sanctioned to combat air pollution within the city of Ahmedabad.
Road dust is responsible for a 36% contribution to the overall air pollution levels. 34 percent of air pollution is caused by households, STP plants, and industries, while 16 percent is attributed to construction activities.
Severe and hazardous air pollutants—such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide—are released into the atmosphere by vehicles, industries, and crematoriums.
Over the four-year period leading up to 2023, ₹280 crore was spent in efforts to reduce air pollution.
Air Pollution
According to a WHO report, the level of PM 2.5 pollution in Ahmedabad was 2.2 times higher than the normal limit.
Over a span of five years, ₹425.83 crore was spent on air quality control programs aimed at reducing air pollution.
…were spent. However, air pollution in the city continues to rise steadily. The AQI stood at 211 in Rakhial and 276 at the Sardar Patel Stadium.
During the Diwali period, the Air Quality Index in the air was at level 1.
The PM10 level reaches 165, while the PM2.5 level climbs to 38.33.
Pirana
A promise was made to clear the Pirana dumping site, work on which commenced in 2018.
Beyond the Pirana dump site itself, the health of residents living in the surrounding areas—specifically Rakhial and the vicinity of the Sardar Patel Stadium—is deteriorating. On December 26, the Air Quality Index was recorded in Pirana.
Deaths Caused by Pollution
Despite spending ₹567 crore over six years to curb pollution, Ahmedabad ranks 10th among the most polluted cities. Reports from global organizations indicate that 200,000 people in Gujarat are affected by pollution annually. Even if we apply a conservative estimate of 5 percent to this figure, it is estimated that 10,000 people die in Ahmedabad every year due to pollution.
According to data dated February 18, 2023—released by an organization under the Government of India—Ahmedabad has risen to the 10th spot among India’s most polluted cities. In 2021, more than 1,500 people in Ahmedabad lost their lives due to poor air quality.
The 2026 manifesto included a pledge to construct a state-of-the-art cancer hospital. At Ahmedabad’s cancer hospital—the GCRI—4,660 patients were registered with lung cancer.
Poor air quality in the city is estimated to reduce an individual’s life expectancy by 10 years.
Under the Air Quality Control Program, the government provided a grant of ₹425.83 crore to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation over a five-year period, spanning from 2020 to 2025.
The largest portion of this funding—₹252.71 crore—was allocated for road-related works, with the aim of reducing pollution. Poor Roads – Poor roads bear a significant responsibility for pollution. During the 2025 monsoon season in Ahmedabad—specifically within the single month of June 2025—complaints were registered regarding the deterioration of 5,033 roads and the formation of 838 potholes. Subsequently, during the May-July 2025 period, a total of 8,500 complaints concerning poor roads and potholes were recorded.
In 2024, over a span of three months, 167,000 complaints were received regarding roads, water supply, and sewage systems—issues that contribute directly to pollution.
The total number of complaints received within the city is increasing year after year.
Now, looking ahead to 2026, a promise has been made to replace 500 kilometers of old drainage lines. However, the previous promise regarding the laying of new sewer lines remains unfulfilled.
Water Pollution
Over the course of one year, 33,139 complaints regarding water pollution were received from the city’s 48 wards. The highest number of complaints came from Khadia (2,255), followed by Saraspur (2,027); additionally, 1,810 complaints were recorded in Navavadaj and 1,277 in the Danilimda ward.
A Commendable Promise
A target has been set to achieve 100% reliance on renewable energy. This constitutes an excellent plan.
A promise has also been made to provide home-based medical treatment and diagnostic testing facilities for citizens aged 70 and above.
A commitment has been made to implement a 30% reservation policy for women. Furthermore, “Pink Buses” are to be introduced within the BRTS network specifically for women passengers.
The “Ahmedabad Darshan” (City Tour) service is to be made free of charge for citizens aged 65 and above.
Mini sports complexes are to be established in every zone in preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Percolation Wells:
A proposal to construct 2,000 percolation wells has also been included in the plan. However, even if these wells are constructed, they often end up becoming non-functional; indeed, the percolation wells that were built previously have already fallen into disrepair due to a lack of proper maintenance. In 2022, an order was issued to inspect the percolation wells constructed for rainwater harvesting in Ahmedabad. This followed an announcement on August 2, 2024, when Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel sanctioned contracts worth ₹7,497 for rainwater management works across three zones: North West, South West, and West. A total of ₹144 crore was allocated for this purpose. Applications for rainwater harvesting works were submitted by a total of 7,497 housing societies across the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction—specifically, 3,180 societies in the North West Zone, 1,617 in the South West Zone, and 2,500 in the West Zone. In 1965, Ahmedabad was home to lakes covering an area of 1,057 square kilometers; these have since vanished. Evidence suggests that, at one point in time, Ahmedabad possessed more than 1,400 lakes. Currently, 156 lakes are situated within the premises of government offices across Ahmedabad city, while 143 lakes fall under the jurisdiction of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The disappearance of various water bodies—whether large lakes, smaller ponds, or tanks—has led to waterlogging issues; many of these sites have been sold off to real estate developers. Furthermore, the plan—formulated under the National Lake Conservation Plan—to interlink 45 lakes located in different parts of Ahmedabad city has yet to be fully implemented.
There are also plans to establish 28 “model” fire stations, acquire hydraulic platforms equipped with firefighting systems capable of reaching heights of up to 140 meters, and deploy drone systems. However, similar promises have been made in the past as well.
The progress on developing new corridors along the BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) routes remains sluggish.
While the Metro rail network has been constructed, its impact on alleviating road traffic congestion has been minimal.
The promise of achieving 100% door-to-door waste collection has been reiterated once again; however, this objective has yet to be fully realized.
The city-wide Wi-Fi project remains confined to a limited geographical area and has not yet been expanded across the entire city. (Google Translation from Gujarati)
