Did you know? Ahmedabad’s police commissionerate was once an eye hospital

In a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, Ahmedabad is set to inaugurate its new police commissionerate on October 3, coinciding with the auspicious start of Navratri, the nine-day festival. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside over the opening of the seven-story building, marking a significant milestone in the city's law enforcement infrastructure.

Features 

The new facility is designed to meet 21st-century law enforcement needs:

• Public-centric design: The ground and first floors house public-oriented offices, including passport services, public applications, special branches, and offices for student certificates.
• Technological marvel: Five control rooms, including two large CCTV video wall setups, will monitor citywide activities. Advanced facial and vehicle recognition systems are expected to be useful in tracking individuals or vehicles involved in any crime.
• Sustainable operations: The centrally air-conditioned office will be equipped with solar panels.
• Comprehensive facilities: The building features spacious underground parking and two cafeterias — one for the public and one for police employees and officers.
• Security measures: The entire office will be covered by CCTV.

History

The new headquarters, rising from the historic grounds of Shahibaug, represents a dramatic evolution from its humble beginnings. In 1960, as the Maha Gujarat Andolan drew to a close, Ahmedabad established its first police commissionerate under Commissioner Niranjan Das. The original office, repurposed from a Parsi-run eye hospital, has served as the nerve centre of city policing for over six decades.

The eye hospital, once located on the outskirts of the city and surrounded by fields, is now situated in a busy, urban area. The windows next to the control room, now the entrance to the police commissioner's office, used to be the windows for patients to collect their case papers. The office has undergone minor changes over time, from 1960 to 2024.

Currently, Ahmedabad has its 38th Police Commissioner, Gyanendra Singh Malik, who replaced IPS Prem Vir Singh in 2023. As the city grows and evolves, so too does its approach to law enforcement. The new police commissionerate stands as a bridge between Ahmedabad's rich history and its future, representing the city's commitment to modern, efficient law enforcement.

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