Ahmedabad To Become ‘Olympic Ready City’

Gujarat allocates Rs 1,278 crore after winning 2030 Commonwealth Games bid

February 18, 2026: The Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 1,278 crore in the 2026–27 State Budget to transform Ahmedabad into an “Olympic Ready City” following its successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Presenting the budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Kanu Desai outlined major investments in sports and urban infrastructure to position the state as a global sporting destination and ensure facilities meet international standards.

The sports sector has received a total allocation of Rs 1,331 crore, including Rs 500 crore for developing Ahmedabad as an Olympic-ready hub and advancing the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave. Additional funds include Rs 165 crore for district sports complexes, Rs 101 crore for infrastructure in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, and Rs 100 crore each for Olympic-level facilities at Karai and a Para High Performance Centre in Gandhinagar. The budget also sets aside Rs 90 crore for a world-class hockey stadium. Overall, the Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities has been allocated Rs 2,006 crore to strengthen sports development and youth engagement.

Beyond sports, the government announced civic upgrades such as road renovations, improved lighting, expanded metro and bus services, and tourism development to support the Games and long-term urban growth. Officials said hosting the Commonwealth Games is expected to boost tourism, attract investment, generate employment and elevate Gujarat’s global profile. The budget also allocates Rs 226 crore for archaeology and museums, Rs 182 crore for libraries, and additional funds for cultural programmes and archival preservation.