Ahmedabad's Stark Development Divide: West Outpaces East in Funding and Projects
In Ahmedabad, a glaring disparity in urban development has emerged, with the western parts of the city consistently securing a disproportionate share of major projects and budgetary allocations, despite the eastern areas being larger, more densely populated, and wielding greater political representation. This imbalance has sparked significant debate and criticism within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), highlighting a persistent trend of resource diversion that leaves the city's more populous half struggling to catch up.
Major Projects Skew Heavily Towards Western Ahmedabad
Over the past five years, a series of high-value development initiatives have been approved or implemented predominantly in western Ahmedabad. Key projects include the Naranpura Sports Complex, valued at Rs 825 crore, a Rs 334 crore road development project under the sports, education, and health precinct tag, and a Rs 405 crore plan for seven iconic road projects—five of which are located in the western regions. Additionally, a Rs 660 crore iconic development project is planned for SG Highway, and a Rs 692 crore City Square Development Project on Sindhu Bhavan Road in Bodakdev is currently awaiting approval. These investments underscore a clear prioritization of western zones for transformative urban infrastructure.
Budgetary Allocation Reveals Significant Funding Gap
The AMC's budget for 2026-27 further illustrates this divide. Out of a total allocation of Rs 1,112.65 crore earmarked for new development and iconic projects across seven zones, Rs 602.11 crore was directed towards 18 wards in the three western zones. In contrast, only Rs 510.54 crore was set aside for 30 wards in the eastern zones, resulting in a funding gap of Rs 91.57 crore. This discrepancy is particularly striking given that the eastern areas have nearly 12 more wards than the west, raising concerns about equitable resource distribution. During a general board meeting in February, members flagged this issue, alleging that eastern regions have been systematically short-changed in budgetary decisions.
Geographic and Political Context Amplifies the Disparity
Geographically, the eastern zone covers 247.45 square kilometers, compared to 233.43 square kilometers for the western zone, out of Ahmedabad's total area of 480.88 square kilometers. This makes the east not only larger but also more populous, yet it receives less per-ward funding. Politically, the eastern areas hold more weight, with 120 seats across 30 wards in the 2021 AMC elections, versus 72 seats across 18 wards in the west. In that election, the BJP won 160 of the 192 total seats, with Congress securing 24, AIMIM seven, and one independent. In the west, the BJP swept 67 of 72 seats, while in the east, it won 93 of 120 seats, with Congress taking 22, AIMIM four, and one independent. Despite this strong political mandate from eastern residents, capital flow remains heavily tilted towards western development.
Ongoing Implications and Calls for Equity
The persistent diversion of funds to western Ahmedabad has left the eastern parts in a state of perpetual developmental lag, exacerbating urban inequalities. Critics argue that this trend undermines the principles of fair governance and balanced growth, especially given the east's demographic and political significance. As Ahmedabad continues to expand, addressing this divide will be crucial for ensuring sustainable and inclusive urban progress, with stakeholders urging a more equitable approach in future AMC budgets and project approvals to bridge the gap between the city's two halves.
