Ahmedabad’s selection as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games has set the stage for one of the city’s most ambitious infrastructure overhauls. With more than a million visitors expected, the preparations now centre on how the city will scale up its metro network, BRT corridors, road capacity and sporting facilities—much like the extensive upgrades Delhi undertook ahead of the 2010 Games.
Gulam Zia from Knight Frank India explained that Ahmedabad has already demonstrated its ability to host large events smoothly. “Ahmedabad has proven its metal multiple times… this is a city which is ready,” he said, but noted that the Commonwealth Games will require significant additions.
He pointed out that Delhi had built a new airport terminal, expanded metro lines and created major bypass roads for its Games. Ahmedabad, he said, will require similar momentum, with “sports infrastructure itself to take about 20,000 crore.” The hospitality requirement will also be massive, as the city prepares for international-level footfalls. As he put it, “We are expecting almost about 50,000 rooms required… it is a big task.”
On the question of hotel capacity, Zia pointed out that Ahmedabad currently has “10,000 to 15,000 keys,” far below what will be needed, and that “at least three times of that will be required.” He added that the government is likely to create large games villages—just as Delhi did—which will later integrate into the long-term residential supply of the city. Private participation will be crucial, and according to him, “At least 40,000 to 50,000 crore of private investment will be required.”
Much of the sporting infrastructure is planned in southwestern Ahmedabad, an area already popular in the real estate market. Zia said, “This region is where most sporting activities will be planned… already a favoured real estate destination,” and added that property values could rise “10% to 15%” with the surge in new development. Tourism is expected to climb sharply as well. Drawing from earlier examples, he noted, “We saw about 20% to 25% increase in tourism revenue,” and predicted that Ahmedabad could see “twice or thrice” its current tourism levels due to its smaller base.
Addressing the question of hospitality pressure during peak visitor inflows, he emphasised the broader economic impact of the Games. According to him, “At least one lakh jobs will be created,” spanning sporting facilities, services and ancillary sectors. The long-term legacy of the Games will extend beyond sports infrastructure. Games villages and temporary accommodations will later merge into the city’s housing stock, creating enduring urban value. As Zia summarised, “Real estate values are expected to shoot up by at least 20% to 30%.” With preparations underway, Ahmedabad now stands on the brink of a historic transformation. The Commonwealth Games are set to reshape not only the city’s sports ecosystem but also its transport networks, hospitality capacity and long-term real estate landscape, leaving an impact well beyond 2030.