In a significant development for urban infrastructure in Gujarat's commercial capital, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has revised the planned height of its ambitious City Square project following updated seismic safety guidelines from national authorities.
Seismic Safety Triggers Design Modification
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a crucial notification that has altered seismic zone classifications across India, with the revised standards scheduled to take effect from May 3, 2026. This regulatory change has directly impacted Ahmedabad's urban development plans, as the city's seismic zone score has been elevated from Zone 3 to Zone 4, indicating higher earthquake vulnerability.
This seismic reassessment occurred while the AMC was actively pursuing the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Airports Authority of India for the City Square development. The municipal body had envisioned this landmark project as a transformative element to enhance Ahmedabad's urban identity and improve its standing in national Smart City rankings.
Project Specifications and Revised Parameters
The City Square project, allocated a substantial 13,144 square meter land parcel on the prominent Sindhu Bhavan Road, represents a major urban development initiative for which special budgetary provisions were made in the 2024-25 fiscal plan. A dedicated consultant was appointed to design this architectural landmark, utilizing comprehensive data collected over more than a decade, including detailed wind pattern analyses and extensive soil testing.
Based on this extensive research, the initial tower height was determined to be 180 meters. However, following the revised seismic zone classification, the AMC has prudently reduced the structure's height to 175 meters to ensure enhanced earthquake resilience and compliance with updated safety standards.
Comprehensive Development Features
With an estimated construction cost of approximately Rs 692 crore, as detailed in the AMC's 2026-27 budget documentation, the City Square will be developed on a plot exceeding 13,000 square meters. The architectural plan incorporates three basement parking levels extending 14 meters underground, with capacity for 410 four-wheelers and 1,500 two-wheelers.
The above-ground structure will feature multiple levels including lower ground, upper ground, and the central tower. The lower ground level will host retail shops and an art gallery, while the upper ground will accommodate food kiosks and an amphitheater with seating for 450 spectators.
Architectural Highlights and Visitor Experience
A distinctive circular structure will rise to 40 meters, containing two restaurant floors with combined seating for 900 patrons. The restaurant terrace will feature a deck café accommodating 200 visitors. The tower's summit will offer a sky deck and skywalk experience for 75 people simultaneously, providing unparalleled panoramic views of Ahmedabad's cityscape.
An innovative LED screen installation between 40 meters and 175 meters height will serve as an information and announcement platform, adding a technological dimension to the urban landmark. The City Square complex will integrate gardens, commercial areas, and diverse entertainment activities, creating a multifunctional urban space designed to become a signature destination for residents and visitors alike.
This strategic adjustment in building height demonstrates the AMC's commitment to balancing architectural ambition with seismic safety considerations, ensuring that Ahmedabad's urban development progresses responsibly while creating iconic public spaces that enhance the city's global profile.
