Gandhinagar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The city of Ahmedabad is on the verge of a significant transformation into an “Olympic Ready City”, following an allocation of Rs 1,278 crore by the Gujarat government in the 2026–27 State Budget. This initiative comes in light of the state's successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

While presenting the budget in the state Assembly, Finance Minister Kanu Desai highlighted a series of investments aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure and urban facilities in anticipation of the prestigious event.

This allocation is part of a broader strategy to establish Gujarat as a premier global sporting destination, aiming to upgrade the infrastructure of Ahmedabad to align with international standards required for hosting major multi-sport events.

The total funding for the sports sector in the 2026–27 budget amounts to Rs 1,331 crore, showcasing the state government's commitment to developing world-class facilities and supporting athletes across various sports.

A specific provision of Rs 500 crore has been designated for the development of Ahmedabad as an Olympic Ready City and to further the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave project, envisioned as a pivotal hub for sporting excellence and training. Additionally, Rs 165 crore has been allocated for the infrastructure development of sports complexes across various districts, while Rs 101 crore is set aside for creating sports-related infrastructure in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

An amount of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked to establish Olympic-level infrastructure at Karai, aimed at bolstering the state's capability to host high-performance training and competitive events. Another Rs 100 crore is allocated for building a Para High Performance Centre in Gandhinagar, which is expected to provide specialized training and support facilities for para-athletes.

The budget also includes Rs 90 crore for constructing a world-class hockey stadium, thus enhancing Gujarat’s sports ecosystem and ensuring the availability of infrastructure for hosting national and international competitions.

The Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities has received an overall allocation of Rs 2,006 crore, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to sports development, youth engagement, and cultural promotion throughout the state.

Officials mentioned that these measures aim to inspire youth and athletes to excel at national and international levels while showcasing their talents on a global platform, thereby solidifying Gujarat's status as a competitive sporting destination.

Besides sports facilities, the budget outlines improvements to civic infrastructure associated with the upcoming Games and long-term urban development. This includes road renovations, enhanced lighting systems, development of tourist destinations, and expansion of metro rail and bus services to accommodate increased foot traffic during the event and improve urban mobility.

The government anticipates that hosting the Commonwealth Games will inject new vigor into the state’s economy, create job opportunities, and accelerate infrastructure development across various sectors.

It is expected that the event will boost tourism, attract both domestic and international investments, and elevate Gujarat's global profile as a key destination for sports, culture, and business.

In addition to sports, Rs 226 crore has been allocated for archaeology and museums, including Rs five crore for the development and preservation of state-protected archaeological sites to safeguard Gujarat’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Libraries will benefit from Rs 182 crore, with Rs 128 crore earmarked for constructing district and taluka libraries, along with plans to establish four Smart District Libraries and additional libraries at 17 newly created taluka headquarters to broaden access to knowledge and learning resources.

A further Rs 8 crore has been set aside for cultural programs, while Rs 3 crore is allocated for the conservation and restoration of archival documents to maintain significant historical records and institutional memory.