The city of Ahmedabad is undergoing a spectacular transformation, decked out in vibrant murals and welcoming hoardings, as it prepares to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on January 12, 2026. The high-profile visit will see the two leaders jointly inaugurate the International Kite Festival-2026 at Vallabh Sadan on the Sabarmati Riverfront, adding a significant diplomatic flavour to Gujarat's iconic Uttarayan celebrations.
A City-Wide Spruce-Up for Distinguished Guests
In anticipation of the visit, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched a comprehensive beautification and cleanliness drive on a war footing. A senior AMC official revealed that more than 200 hoardings welcoming the leaders have been installed across key city routes. The civic body's Solid Waste Management Department executed a rigorous 24-hour special cleaning campaign, deploying over 1,200 sanitation workers across six major routes spanning 28.3 kilometres, primarily in the West, North, and North-West zones.
The mechanised cleanup operation utilised 22 sweeping machines, 14 mist sprinklers, earth-movers, and over 20 trucks. Artistic enhancements are also in full swing, with attractive murals and traditional paintings beautifying areas near Mount Carmel School in Naranpura and Ranip. The Garden Department is contributing by trimming trees, repairing tree guards, and planting new saplings using the Miyawaki method to enhance the city's green cover.
Focus on Sabarmati Riverfront and Key Venues
The Sabarmati Riverfront, the epicentre of the main event, is receiving special attention. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has undertaken civil works including laying kota stone and granite, installing benches, stairs, ramps, and parapet walls, and planting along the Upper Promenade on the west bank from the Metro Bridge to Vallabh Sadan. To ensure a pristine view, skimmer machines are being used continuously to remove floating garbage from the river.
Simultaneously, infrastructural upgrades are underway at other key locations, including the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram and along the airport route. Departments responsible for roads, bridges, traffic, lighting, and estates are all coordinating efforts. The Road Project Department has carried out repair works, while the Bridge Project Department has completed tasks like pavement repair and railing colouring on the Chimanbhai Patel Bridge.
Ensuring Smooth Traffic and Tight Security
With a large influx of national and international visitors expected, traffic management is a critical focus. The Traffic Project Department has installed thermoplastic paint markings, median markers, road safety signage, and direction boards to streamline movement across the city. Decorative lighting has been arranged on major thoroughfares, bridges, and the riverfront area to illuminate the city for the evening events.
Security arrangements have been intensified in coordination with various agencies, with heightened vigilance maintained on roads, at event venues, and in public areas. The AMC's all-encompassing preparations underscore the importance of the visit, which marks Chancellor Merz's significant bilateral engagement outside NATO and EU space, with Ahmedabad showcasing its cultural and organisational prowess on a global stage.
