30 new skyscrapers approved in Gujarat
Ahmedabad: In the era of modern development, skyscrapers have a special identity. This is why International Skyscraper Day is celebrated every year on 3rd September to celebrate it. Gujarat is moving ahead rapidly in the direction of building skyscrapers. Let us tell you here that due to its special skyscraper policy, Gujarat has also been successful in earning a revenue of Rs 1000 crore from skyscraper projects in the last few years.
The policy came into effect on 27 May 2021
Until 2017, the maximum height of buildings in Gujarat was set at 70 meters. Recognizing the need for urban expansion and the potential for vertical growth, the state government has taken progressive steps in this direction by amending the rules. The implementation of the state government’s Skyscraper Policy has encouraged the construction of buildings taller than 100 meters. The Skyscraper Policy, implemented on 27 May 2021, has paved the way for the development of skyscrapers in major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Gandhinagar.
Skyscrapers in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar and Vadodara
This state government policy allows the construction of high-rise buildings with a maximum floor space index (FSI) of 5.4. Apart from the base FSI, premium FSI is available at 50% of the ready reckoner rate, which encourages developers to invest in vertical growth. Since these rules came into force, 30 skyscrapers have been approved in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar and Vadodara. GIFT City, Gujarat’s financial tech city, has already completed the construction of two skyscrapers, and another 10 are under construction. 25 skyscrapers will be built in Ahmedabad, 2 each in Surat and Gandhinagar; 1 building will be built in Vadodara.
Many projects are expected to be completed before Diwali
These projects have brought significant revenue to Gujarat in vertical development. Gujarat has received revenue of around ₹1000 crore through premium FSI to local bodies. Many such projects beautifying the urban landscape of the state are expected to be completed before Diwali this year. These buildings are not only setting new records in height, but also incorporate advanced construction techniques such as mivan formwork, shear walls and skywalks at rooftop level. Additionally, the provision for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure ensures that these developments are future-ready.
Establishment of Special Technical Committee
A Special Technical Committee (STC) has been set up at the state level, headed by Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, to assess the feasibility of high-rise building projects. The committee comprises experts from soil mechanical, structural engineering, and fire service to ensure that safety becomes the top priority in these high-rise buildings.
Also rated as green buildings
Many of these skyscrapers are also rated as green buildings, contributing to sustainability in urban development and reducing the environmental impacts of new construction. These changes in Gujarat’s skyline are clearly visible on major roads like the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway in Ahmedabad, which is witnessing a boom in commercial space development. With higher FSI now available, the region is set to become a hub of skyscrapers, reflecting the state’s commitment to efficient land use and urban development sustainability. Today, as the world celebrates International Skyscraper Day, Gujarat also stands out on this special day. The new vertical developments taking place in the state are not only meeting the growing demand for residential and commercial space, but are also setting the stage to write a new chapter in architectural heritage.
