Ahmedabad's Massive Water and Drainage Infrastructure Overhaul to Benefit 1 Million Residents

Work will include installation of new drainage pipelines and pumping stations. (Representative)

Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has launched a comprehensive infrastructure improvement project to address persistent issues related to drinking water, drainage systems, and waterlogging across the city.

This extensive upgrade will cover approximately 4,000 hectares and is expected to provide benefits to nearly 10 lakh residents. The project features a state-of-the-art integrated drainage and stormwater network spanning more than 24 Town Planning (TP) schemes.

The development plan includes constructing new drainage pipelines, implementing stormwater management systems, building treatment facilities, and establishing pumping stations. AUDA officials have projected a three-year timeline for the project's completion.

Currently, numerous areas in Ahmedabad lack adequate stormwater infrastructure, resulting in regular flooding during monsoon seasons. The upgraded system aims to integrate existing irregular drainage lines into a cohesive network, substantially improving rainwater management and flood prevention capabilities.

The initiative encompasses both western and eastern zones under AUDA's jurisdiction. In the western Lilapur-Ognaj region, a new drainage network will be developed across 786 hectares, designed with capacity to manage 27 MLD of sewage by 2041, expanding to 49 MLD by 2056.

A detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared, with approximately 3.87 lakh residents of Lilapur, Jaspur, and Khodiyar expected to directly benefit from these improvements.

In eastern Ahmedabad, the infrastructure developments will provide relief to more than 6.5 lakh people. The coverage includes 603 hectares in Ranasan, Enasan, Muthia, Bilasiya, and Hanspura (benefiting 58,000 residents); 907 hectares in Santej, Lapkaman, and Rakanpur (benefiting 2.8 lakh residents); and 1,474 hectares in Jetalpur, Aslali, Gamdi, Nandej, and Gertpur (benefiting 3.35 lakh residents).

Ahmedabad has been steadily enhancing its position as an emerging global sporting destination, with significant preparations underway to establish international-standard infrastructure ahead of potential hosting opportunities for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Summer Olympics 2036, for which India is considering a bid.

The city's rapid urban expansion, combined with major civic infrastructure improvements in transportation, drainage, housing, and public facilities, reflects a broader vision to transform Ahmedabad into a "future-ready" metropolitan center capable of successfully hosting major international events.