Ahmedabad revealed a comprehensive plan to introduce over 3,000 electric buses, enhance metro connectivity, and establish a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) during the ‘Ahmedabad Next’ and ‘Mobility Exhibition’ launch. Minister of State for Urban Development Darshana Vaghela inaugurated the event, jointly organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Shift Transport. The initiative, aimed at transforming urban transport, is part of a larger integrated mobility roadmap associated with potential preparations for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
Vaghela highlighted Ahmedabad’s transport evolution from the ‘Lal Bus’ AMTS to BRTS and the Metro, emphasizing the significance of long-term planning spanning the next 25 to 50 years for the city’s progress. She underlined key projects like the Second Ring Road, a logistics park, and the Sabarmati riverfront expansion as instrumental in shaping Ahmedabad into a globally competitive and sustainable city. Stressing the importance of traffic management, Vaghela suggested using connector vehicles to alleviate congestion on ring roads and expanding parking facilities at metro stations to enhance commuter accessibility.
Mayor Pratibha Jain affirmed the civic body’s commitment to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2070. To bolster public transport, plans are underway to introduce more than 3,000 electric buses, with incentives like 100% vehicle tax exemption to promote electric vehicles. Additionally, services like MyByk are actively encouraging sustainable mobility practices. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, M Thennarasan, disclosed the initiation of the bidding process for the 2036 Olympics. Proposed metro expansions connecting the airport and GIFT City aim to enhance air quality to meet global standards, with the Gujarat government offering viability gap funding to support transport infrastructure.
Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani emphasized the administration’s focus on enhancing “last-mile connectivity” and implementing smart traffic management strategies. The RRTS is set to link satellite towns like Kalol and Sanand, significantly reducing travel times to a mere 30 to 45 minutes. The event witnessed the presence of MLA Amit Shah, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, AMTS Chairman Dharamshi Desai, and a large contingent of students.
