AMC Defers Kids City and Toy Train Proposals, Returns Garden Tender

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Committee deferred decisions on three key projects at its October 9 meeting, with reviews still pending on Kids City, toy train operations and garden development.

The committee met after a gap of around one and a half months, but several proposals remained unresolved. Of the 11 agenda items, one proposal for garden development was returned after only a single tender was received, while decisions on Kids City’s development under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and the operation and maintenance of the toy train were postponed to the next meeting.

Gandhinagar Elections Cited for Pending Reviews

Committee chairman Jitendra Kharchariya said his preoccupation with the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections had prevented him from reviewing the proposals. Further action will be taken after the review is completed.

The meeting had initially been scheduled for September 30, following the previous meeting on August 31, but was cancelled because of a BJP event. The delay meant that several important proposals remained pending even when the committee finally convened on Friday.

Routine Proposals Approved

The committee approved routine agenda items covering swimming pool revenue, membership numbers and revenue at gyms, skating rinks and sports complexes, and visitor numbers and revenue at the zoo.

Proposals concerning the development of traffic circles under the PPP model and an extension of the manpower supply agency’s contract were also approved.

However, the garden development proposal was returned because the civic body received only one tender. The committee deferred the Kids City and toy train proposals until the pending reviews are completed.

Garden Supervisor Contract Extended Despite Delay in Fresh Tender

The committee approved a four-month extension for D.R. Enterprise, the agency supplying garden supervisors, even though its contract had expired in May 2026.

The Garden Department had not initiated the process for a fresh tender in time. Despite the committee meeting four to five times before Friday’s session, the manpower supply issue had not been brought before it.

The extension proposal was submitted around four months after the original contract expired. Kharchariya said the Garden Department had been instructed to prepare the tender within the next four months.

The delay has raised questions about the department’s handling of the tender process and the continued reliance on the existing agency.

Tree Branches Blocking Streetlights

The committee also discussed complaints that tree branches and foliage were obstructing streetlights, leaving some roads inadequately illuminated.

Kharchariya said instructions had been issued to trim the branches. The issue has raised questions about maintenance, as tree trimming is routinely carried out before the monsoon, yet branches have again grown enough to block streetlights.

Concerns Over Garden Security Guards

Members also raised concerns about the age of security guards deployed at gardens and questioned whether the arrangements were adequate to protect visitors.

The discussion highlighted the need for appropriate guard selection and effective performance monitoring to ensure the safety of citizens using public gardens.