₹5.26 cr AMC officers’ quarters lie vacant for 13 years; Civic body plans to rent them out

A residential complex built by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in 2012 for its Class-I and Class-II officers has remained virtually unused for over a decade, prompting the civic body to explore renting out the premises.

Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5.26 crore in Khokhra, the officers' quarters were originally intended to accommodate Deputy Municipal Commissioners and other senior officials posted in eastern Ahmedabad. However, not a single eligible officer chose to occupy the facility after its inauguration.

Built for officers, occupied by students

The residential complex comprises 24 quarters, including 16 units in Block A and 8 units in Block B.

As the quarters remained vacant, AMC later allotted them to students of the Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management (IITRAM) for temporary accommodation. After IITRAM developed its own hostel facilities, the students vacated the premises, leaving the quarters deserted once again.

Standing Committee directs rental plan

Addressing Thursday's Standing Committee meeting, Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the vacant quarters should now be put to productive use instead of remaining idle.

He directed civic officials to identify suitable options for renting out the property while ensuring its proper maintenance and preventing any illegal encroachments.

The chairman also advised officials to exercise greater caution while planning such infrastructure projects in the future.

AMC targets July 15 to complete road repairs

The Standing Committee also reviewed ongoing road repair and excavation works across Ahmedabad.

Patel reiterated AMC's earlier directive to ensure that all potholes are filled and road restoration works are completed by July 15.

He instructed officials to strictly adhere to project deadlines and, wherever work is underway, install proper barricading to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

Footpath railings create fresh encroachment issue

The committee also discussed problems arising from AMC's drive to install railings on footpaths to prevent encroachments ahead of the Commonwealth-related infrastructure upgrades.

In areas such as Shree Nandnagar Road in Vejalpur, railings have prevented vendors from occupying footpaths. However, since no alternative vending space was created, fruit and vegetable sellers have shifted onto the carriageway, effectively narrowing the road.

Taking note of complaints, the Standing Committee Chairman directed officials to first remove encroachments and provide appropriate alternative arrangements before installing railings at new locations.