This is an archive article published on December 2, 2024
Distinct character of 6 major roads makes Ahmedabad a diverse commerce hub: Study
The six major roads have evolved over time to meet local economic needs, and collectively they make the city a diverse trade and commerce hub, the study highlights.
The distinct characteristics of six major commercial roads in Ahmedabad — SG Highway, CG Road, Ashram Road, Relief Road, Narol-Naroda Road and Vastral-Odhav Road — give a boost to business opportunities in Ahmedabad, a study by the students of CEPT university has highlighted.
Each of Ahmedabad’s commercial centers have a unique character, shaped by location, built form and economic attributes. The six major roads have evolved over time to meet local economic needs, and collectively they make the city a diverse trade and commerce hub, the study highlights.
While Ashram Road is a prominent commercial corridor, known for its corporate offices, financial institutions, and connectivity, blending business-centric development with prominent landmarks; CG Road is a modern commercial hub, characterised by upscale retail outlets, corporate offices, vibrant nightlife, and a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Relief Road is a bustling, historic commercial hub known for its dense wholesale markets, affordable goods, and vibrant atmosphere. “In 1861 came the first textile mill followed by construction of a railway route in 1863 and 2019 saw the development of the metro line. However, the Narol-Naroda and Vastral-Odhav roads came up in 1962 after acquiring land through Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and construction of SP Ring Road (happened) in 2007,” the study reveals.
“Relief Road and CG Road with their compact, pedestrian scale built firms, reflect traditional commerce, while SG Highway and Vastral-Odhav road — marked by sprawling, car-centric developments — highlight Ahmedabad’s transforming commercial fabric,” Prof Tarun Patel from Faculty of Planning at CEPT University tells The Indian Express. The group of students who conducted the study worked under the supervision of Professor Patel.
Further, as per the study, while the Ashram Road has the highest permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) but the lowest consumed FSI, land prices at SG Highway are the highest and it has the highest commercial built up percentage.
Explaining this, Professor Patel says, “The Ashram Road has the highest FSI of around 5 but since there are already buildings… until they are demolished, this FSI would not be used. That is the reason it has the lowest consumed FSI too.”
Story continues below this ad
Speaking about the transformation of Ahmedabad, Professor Patel underlines, “The SG Highway has undergone a transformation since 1915 when the Town Planning (TP) scheme was introduced to 2002 when the highway was constructed and 2009 came the BRTS. Similarly, following the opening of institutions in 1960, CG Road was developed in 1990 and in 2018, the modernisation of the road happened.. Ashram Road — that dates back to 1870 — with the construction of Ellis Bridge, came the widening of bridges in the 2000 and 2012 development of Sabarmati Riverfront.”
Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh.
Expertise
Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes:
Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City.
Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP.
Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More
