In a significant move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated the process to sell three plots of land specifically reserved for educational institutions. This marks the first auction of school-reserved plots by the civic body in a decade, signaling a potential shift in its land management strategy for the city.
Details of the Three Plots Up for Auction
The AMC's estate department announced the decision on Monday. The plots are located in three different areas of the city: Nikol, Thaltej, and Hanspura. The combined base price for all three properties has been set at a substantial Rs 72.22 crore. This price was determined after applying a special 50% discount as per the Gujarat government's Land Disposal Policy for auctions meant for educational purposes.
Here is a breakdown of the individual plots:
- Nikol Plot: This land parcel measures 2,083 square meters. It has been priced at Rs 28,000 per square meter, giving it a total base valuation of Rs 5.83 crore.
- Thaltej Plot: This is the largest and most valuable of the three. Spanning 3,662 square meters, its base price is Rs 1.39 lakh per square meter. This translates to a total base value of a whopping Rs 50.90 crore.
- Hanspura Plot: Measuring 4,427 square meters, this plot is priced at Rs 35,000 per square meter. Its total base price has been fixed at Rs 15.49 crore.
The auction bidding will commence from these predetermined base prices. Eligible entities include trusts, organizations, companies, and institutions interested in establishing educational facilities.
Auction Timeline and Historical Context
The AMC has set a clear timeline for this landmark auction. Interested parties must complete their registration process by January 27, 2026. The actual auction for all three plots is scheduled to be held on February 10, 2026.
This event breaks a long dry spell. The corporation has not conducted an auction for plots reserved for schools in the past ten years. Over the last five years, only two reserved plots were allotted, and that too at market price. One of these was a school-reserved plot in Gota ward, which was allotted in 2020. In a related instance, a commercial plot in Nikol was also given to an educational institution for constructing a hostel and a school building.
Implications for Ahmedabad's Educational Landscape
This auction represents a major opportunity for educational trusts and organizations to acquire prime land in developing areas of Ahmedabad. The 50% discount under the state policy is a significant incentive aimed at promoting the establishment of new schools. The move could lead to the development of new educational infrastructure in Nikol, Thaltej, and Hanspura, potentially improving access to schooling in these localities.
The response to this auction will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future disposal of civic land reserved for public purposes. It also highlights the AMC's current approach to leveraging its land assets, moving from direct allotments back to a competitive auction process after a considerable gap.
