Kankaria’s Kids City Set for PPP Handover: Private Agency Offered 10-Year Contract Under 35% Revenue Sharing Model

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is preparing to hand over the operations and development of Kids City at Kankaria Lakefront to a private agency under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to an official proposal lined up for the Recreation Committee, the selected agency will oversee a one-year development phase followed by a ten-year operational mandate under a 35% revenue-sharing agreement.

Built during the initial development of the Kankaria Lakefront in 2011, Kids City was developed at an estimated cost of ₹14 crore. Designed as an interactive activity hub, the facility provided children with hands-on experience of real-world professions and civic responsibilities. During its early years, it hosted interactive games styled after 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', complete with hot seats, quiz rounds, and recorded video CDs for winning participants.

One-Year Overhaul Followed by Decade-Long Lease

Under the terms of the new proposal, the private entity will spend the first year constructing new amenities and upgrading existing infrastructure at Kids City. Once the development phase concludes, the firm will assume full operational control for ten years, sharing 35% of generated revenue with the civic body.

Key highlights of the proposal include:

• Project Scope: 1-year development phase followed by a 10-year operational lease.
• Financial Terms: 35% revenue-sharing model under a PPP framework.
• Initial Asset Investment: ₹14 crore spent by AMC in 2011.
• Proposed Developer: Sai Varsha Infrastructure.

Scrutiny Over Developer's Past Kankaria Project Record

Civic circles have raised eyebrows over moves to award the project to Sai Varsha Infrastructure, the firm slated to execute the redevelopment. Municipal sources pointed out that the same agency was awarded a tender approximately six months ago to set up a Chocolate Museum at Kankaria. However, little to no visible progress has been made on the Chocolate Museum project to date.

Compounding the controversy, discussions are reportedly underway within municipal corridors to alter the original Chocolate Museum plan in favour of an amusement park, though a final decision remains pending as official approval processes move forward.

Kids City to be Redeveloped on the ‘Do It and Learn It’ Theme

Kids City will be renovated by a private agency at a cost of ₹15 crore and redesigned around the ‘Do It and Learn It’ theme, with a range of new activities aimed at providing children with hands-on learning experiences.

The activities will focus on everyday functions, such as how banks operate, including filling out cheques, depositing money and making withdrawals. Children will also get an opportunity to learn how the judiciary functions and how the police carry out their duties through interactive activities.

The idea is to help children understand how what they observe in these simulated environments can be applied to their everyday lives. From an early age, they will be introduced to how different aspects of society function and develop an understanding of what is right and wrong.

The initiative will place special emphasis on equipping the next generation with basic legal and practical knowledge, as well as teaching them about their responsibilities as citizens, including the importance of cleanliness and civic discipline.

The proposal will be approved at a committee meeting, following which the renovation work will begin. Special focus will be given to teaching children about traffic rules and maintaining cleanliness.