Ahmedabad Confirmed as Host for CWG 2030 as Gujarat Unveils Rs 4,000 Crore Infrastructure Masterplan

The Commonwealth Sport General Assembly has officially confirmed Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking India's return to the prestigious international sporting event. The confirmation, reportedly announced on Wednesday, has triggered an ambitious infrastructure development programme across the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region, with state authorities setting firm timelines and focusing on creating a lasting legacy for the twin cities.

Major Venue Projects and Development Timeline

According to reports, the Gujarat government has outlined a comprehensive infrastructure plan that will see construction commence in April 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028 or early 2029. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave (SVPSE) is expected to serve as the centrepiece of the Games, featuring multi-sport arenas, aquatic centres, and an athletes' village. The Police Academy Sports Hub in Karai will reportedly host athletics, shooting, weightlifting, football, and several other disciplines.

The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, which already exists, has been designated as the venue for opening and closing ceremonies. Industry observers note that such large-scale sporting events typically drive real estate market growth in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas.

Venue Distribution and Sporting Disciplines

The Games will reportedly feature a compact venue cluster across the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region, designed to minimise carbon footprint and reduce transit times. The SVP Sports Enclave will host swimming, cricket, gymnastics, diving, volleyball, tennis, and artistic swimming events. The Karai Police Academy is set to accommodate athletics, shooting, triathlon, rugby, weightlifting, and football competitions.

GIFT City has been earmarked for marathon, race walk, and beach volleyball events, while the Naranpura Sports Complex will host badminton, rhythmic gymnastics, and water polo. Wrestling, judo, boxing, fencing, skateboarding, and archery are planned for a dedicated arena in South-West Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Metro connectivity is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring seamless movement between venues.

Off-Site Venues

Cycling events, including BMX, road, and track disciplines, will reportedly be held at Pethapur near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Women's cricket matches are planned for Vadodara, while the Kensville Golf Club will host golf competitions. The EKA Arena has been designated for football preliminary rounds.

Hospitality Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The state government has indicated that approximately 20,000 star-category hotel rooms will be required by 2030, with around 3,000 rooms already in the development pipeline. Currently, the region reportedly has 5,420 hotel rooms available in the 3 to 5-star category, with an additional 1,500 five-star rooms expected to be added. Such large-scale infrastructure investments are reshaping Indian real estate across multiple cities.

The CWG 2030 is projected to generate approximately 30,000 Games-linked jobs and require 10,000 trained youth volunteers. Industry analysts expect the event to spur significant housing growth and attract new migration to the region. The best places to invest in Ahmedabad are likely to witness heightened demand as infrastructure development progresses.

Airport Expansion and Connectivity Enhancement

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport upgrade is expected to be completed by 2026, featuring a new terminal, e-gates, and kiosks. The expansion is designed to double the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 27 million. Enhanced airport infrastructure has historically boosted real estate growth near airport corridors across Indian cities.

The compact venue design will integrate seamlessly with existing metro, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), and electric mobility networks, ensuring efficient transportation for athletes, officials, and spectators.

Sports Budget Transformation and Grassroots Development

Gujarat has reportedly witnessed a remarkable transformation in sports investment over recent years. The state sports budget has grown from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 521 crore, while participation in the Khel Mahakumbh programme has exceeded 7 million. Focus programmes including Shaktidoot and talent hunt initiatives have been introduced to identify and nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level.

Long-Term Legacy and Future Vision

The Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region is being positioned as a year-round sports ecosystem. Plans reportedly include high-performance laboratories, university-linked sports infrastructure, and public fitness spaces. University hostels will be upgraded to serve as Games-time accommodation and subsequently converted to student housing, ensuring sustainable utilisation of investments.

Youth engagement initiatives will see students joining as CWG ambassadors through NSS and NCC programmes. Public fitness programmes are planned for riverfronts and parks, which will be converted into community activity hubs. The popular Sabarmati Sundays programme is expected to expand as part of these initiatives. Similar smart city initiatives across India have demonstrated positive impacts on local real estate markets.

Olympic Aspirations

While CWG 2030 represents a significant national milestone, Gujarat is reportedly preparing a bid for the 2036 Olympics. The current infrastructure development is expected to serve as the foundation for Olympic-scale readiness, positioning Ahmedabad as India's emerging global sports destination.

Road to CWG 2030: Key Milestones

The journey towards securing the Games hosting rights involved several key milestones. India received the CWG Letter of Intent in January 2025, followed by a formal bid submission in March. A high-level Indian delegation visited London in June, and a Commonwealth Sport delegation toured Ahmedabad in August. The Executive Board recommended Ahmedabad in October, culminating in the General Assembly's confirmation in November 2025.

Industry experts suggest that investors exploring emerging trends in Indian real estate should closely monitor developments in the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar corridor as infrastructure projects progress. Understanding Jantri rates in Gujarat will be essential for those considering property investments in the region.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct independent verification of facts and figures before making any investment or business decisions. The publication does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and shall not be held liable for any losses arising from reliance on this content. Real estate investments are subject to market risks, and prospective buyers should seek professional advice before making property-related decisions.