Ahmedabad Flower Show Struggles with Falling Attendance and Rising Costs
The annual International Flower Show in Ahmedabad has entered its fourteenth year with significant challenges. Spread across the Sabarmati Riverfront, the event has witnessed a steady decline in visitor numbers over recent years. At the same time, the cost of setting up the show has continued to increase.
Ticket Revenue Fails to Cover Installation Expenses
Data from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation reveals a troubling trend. Ticket sales from the past three years have not even managed to cover the installation costs of the flower show. This financial gap highlights the growing strain on the event's sustainability.
Officials point to several factors behind the declining footfall. High ticket prices and traffic congestion caused by long queues appear to be major deterrents for potential visitors.
Sharp Drop in Visitor Numbers
The numbers tell a clear story. Over the past three years, the flower show has lost more than 2.5 lakh visitors. In 2024, the event attracted 9.06 lakh people. This year, that number dropped sharply to just 6.52 lakh visitors.
This data covers the first eighteen days of the show in both years, providing a consistent comparison period.
Amrish C Patel, principal director general of the parks and garden department at AMC, confirmed the decline. He stated that feedback from visitors identified traffic issues and ticket prices as primary concerns.
Extension and Changes to Boost Attendance
In response to the declining numbers, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has taken several measures. The show, originally scheduled to end on January 22, has been extended by one week. It will now continue until January 29.
The corporation has also scrapped the VIP slot system that allowed premium entry for one hour. However, VIP morning access remains available between 8 AM and 9 AM for those purchasing special tickets.
Ticket Structure and Special Provisions
This year's flower show features a tiered pricing system. From Monday to Friday, entry costs Rs 80. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the price increases to Rs 100.
Several groups enjoy free entry to the show. This includes all persons with disabilities, soldiers, children aged twelve and below, and students from AMC-run schools.
The premium slot entry fee of Rs 500 applies during morning hours from 8 AM to 9 AM. The night slot premium entry has been cancelled entirely.
Historical Context and Current Theme
The International Flower Show began in 2013 alongside the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit. What started as a decorated garden showcasing various flowers, plants, and cactuses has evolved into a major thematic exhibition.
This year's show carries the theme 'Bharat Ek Gatha' and was established at a cost of Rs 17 crore. Floral installations depict the country's achievements through sculptures representing the upcoming bullet train, renewable energy, sports, space technology, and education.
Financial Realities and Operational Challenges
A senior AMC official provided insight into the financial situation. Against the Rs 17 crore installation cost, the show has generated approximately Rs 10 crore through ticket sales, sponsorships, and stall rentals.
The official noted that micro irrigation implementation this year significantly reduced water expenses, which typically represent a major cost component.
However, the extension brings additional challenges. While it may increase overall footfall, maintenance costs are expected to rise further. Cut flowers sourced from Pune and Kolkata require replacement every three to four days. With the extension, the number of replacement rounds increases from six to eight over the twenty-nine day period.
Revised Schedule and Access Details
Under the new schedule implemented from January 16, the flower show remains open until 10 PM instead of 9 PM. On-site ticket counters close at 9 PM, and all visitors must exit the premises by 10 PM.
The AMC has cancelled VIP ticket arrangements for night slots completely. However, VIP morning access continues between 7 AM and 8 AM for ticket purchase, with visiting hours from 8 AM to 9 AM.
The highest footfall across the past three years occurred on January 14 and 15, both public holidays for Uttarayan. Even on these peak days this year, only 78,700 entries were recorded. This compares poorly to last year when entries crossed one lakh on January 14 alone.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation faces the dual challenge of reviving visitor interest while managing escalating costs. The extended schedule represents their latest attempt to address the declining attendance that threatens this long-running cultural event.
