Ahmedabad's Hatkeshwar Crematorium Cost More Than Doubles to ₹40.43 Crore Over Design Changes

The cost of Ahmedabad’s Acher-Hatkeshwar Crematorium project has more than doubled from ₹ 19.83 crore to ₹ 40.43 crore after design changes linked to groundwater issues and soil testing.

Project Cost Jumps by ₹ 20.60 Crore

The Hatkeshwar Muktidham project in Khokhra was tendered in February 2025 at an estimated cost of ₹ 19.83 crore. The revised cost has now reached ₹ 40.43 crore, an increase of ₹ 20.60 crore.

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the cost escalation and delay followed problems encountered after pillar construction began. Water reportedly entered the foundation, prompting changes to the original design.

Consultancy Under Scanner Over Soil Testing

Parekh Association was appointed as the consultancy responsible for preparing the Muktidham’s design, including soil testing.

According to Patel, the groundwater level was not assessed accurately during the soil investigation. Water emerged when work on the pillars began, forcing the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to modify the design.

Under the revised plan, large stones, or rubble, are being laid across the foundation surface to prevent groundwater from rising. The new design also includes measures to protect existing trees.

An air purifier system is also planned for the crematorium.

Commissioner Asked to Act Against Consultancy

Patel said the consultancy was responsible for carrying out the soil test and providing accurate information about groundwater conditions.

He said the Municipal Commissioner has been instructed to take action against the consultancy over the alleged shortcomings in the testing work.

The issue has also raised questions over whether the corporation will ultimately have to bear the additional financial burden arising from the design changes.

Residents Forced to Travel 5 to 7 Km for Cremation

The delay has added to difficulties for residents of Khokhra, Hatkeshwar and nearby areas.

Social activist Harshad Patel said that because the local crematorium remains incomplete or unavailable, families have to travel around 5 to 7 kilometres to other cremation grounds when performing the last rites of relatives.

The additional travel during a time of bereavement has placed both financial and emotional pressure on families, he said.

Vadaj Crematorium Still Awaiting Completion

The Hatkeshwar project is not the only crematorium project in Ahmedabad facing delays. Work on the Vadaj crematorium, which began in November 2020, remains incomplete nearly six years later.

Officials said the project is around 92 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by the end of September. The estimated cost of the Vadaj project is around ₹ 13.80 crore.

The plan was to construct the new crematorium while retaining the existing facility. However, pressure on the available site created difficulties from the outset.

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns also affected the availability of labourers. Permission to demolish the existing crematorium was finally granted in 2024, allowing the remaining work to progress.

Kamlesh Patel said the Vadaj crematorium is now almost ready and will be inaugurated soon.