GIFT City on Fast Track After 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid
Ahmedabad’s GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City is growing rapidly after the city won the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Experts say this milestone will boost infrastructure, attract investors, and encourage residential migration.
The city’s plan began in 2007 under then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. He envisioned a greenfield international financial hub on Ahmedabad’s outskirts. Early growth faced delays, but the government gradually converted GIFT into a fully state-owned project.
By 2011, authorities secured a 3-square-kilometre plot along the Sabarmati River. They designed wide roads, riverfront edges, and advanced underground utility systems to support future growth.
Boost from IFSC
The International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) formed in 2020 changed GIFT’s trajectory. It regulates banking, insurance, funds, aircraft leasing, and offshore financial activity.
Currently, 25 buildings operate, attracting around 27,000 daily visitors. Construction continues on another 37 towers. While GIFT primarily serves business, residential projects are picking up. Developers have completed 930 homes and are building over 7,000 more.
Yogesh Bhavsar, president of the National Real Estate Development Council (Gujarat), says Ahmedabad’s real estate market is 60–70% saturated. He predicts upcoming global events and foreign universities will accelerate GIFT’s growth.
Loveleen Garg, chief planner and vice president (Planning), adds that GIFT aims to host a population density like Navi Mumbai, accommodating 250,000 people per square kilometre.
Residential Growth and Vibrant Public Spaces
GIFT invests heavily in public spaces to attract residents. A 27-acre Central Park is under development along the riverfront.
The park will include courts for soccer, box cricket, pickleball, and basketball. Developers plan a golf driving range, jogging and cycling tracks, plazas, lawns, and an amphitheatre. These features aim to create a lively social environment.
A food zone with restaurants and kiosks will bring workers and residents together. This initiative encourages longer visits and builds community interaction.
Retail demand rises as families move in. Hiran Shah, owner of Capital Russian Bakery, observes one or two new families moving into GIFT daily. Residential towers Shobha and SJ Sangath are 30% full, mostly with office-goers.
Commuters like Upendra Sagar from Gandhinagar travel daily but do not live in GIFT yet. He expects migration to rise in five years when social amenities and street life improve.
Improved Connectivity
New transport links will make it a bustling city. Authorities approved two metro stations along the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar line extension.
A direct road to the airport will cut travel time to ten minutes. it will also connect to the Sabarmati high-speed rail terminal, enabling fast access to Mumbai once the bullet train starts.
Officials estimate travel between GIFT and Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex will take only about two hours and fifteen minutes. These upgrades will increase GIFT’s appeal for businesses and residents alike.
Underground Infrastructure
it features a 16-km underground utility tunnel that carries power, fibre, potable and recycled water, district cooling pipelines, and automated waste ducts.
Workers have completed about 5.5–5.7 km so far. All repairs occur inside the tunnel, keeping surface areas free from digging. This setup ensures a clean, organized urban environment as density rises.
Growth as a Financial Hub
GIFT’s IFSC continues expanding as India’s offshore financial district. The zone hosts 35 global banks and 320 investment funds managed by 97 fund managers.
Companies operating in the IFSC have raised more than $58 billion for India. The tax framework, including a 10-out-of-15-year income tax holiday, matches Singapore’s model.
The masterplan allows 62 million sq ft of built-up space. Authorities have allotted 29.47 million sq ft of development rights. Experts expect developers to complete 50% of total capacity within three years.
Expert Advice by Sanjeev Singh, MD, SKJ Landbase
Sanjeev Singh emphasizes that integrating residential, commercial, and social infrastructure drives GIFT’s growth. Connectivity, green spaces, and modern utilities encourage people to relocate he adds that as amenities and street life expand, GIFT will attract families, young professionals, and international talent. This growth will transform GIFT into a true live-work-play destination.
Looking Ahead
GIFT City is reshaping Ahmedabad’s urban landscape. Modern infrastructure, financial growth, and residential development make it stand out.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games will accelerate development and encourage social and retail amenities. Over time, it could rival other Indian financial hubs and draw global attention.
With careful planning, continued investment, and strong community spaces, GIFT City will emerge as a vibrant, fully integrated city, blending work, living, and recreation seamlessly.
