From a boost in city tourism to the upcoming food market at the Riverfront to the prolonged delays in the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway project and more, check out what's happening in the city with this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

The winter season has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals to Ahmedabad, with numbers exceeding 1.50 lakh, according to tour operators. Popular attractions such as Atal Bridge, River Cruise, Heritage Walk, Gandhi Ashram, Sardar Memorial, Adalajni Vav, Kankaria Carnival, Flower Show, and Akshardham are particularly sought after by visitors.

To further enhance tourism, the municipality is establishing a dedicated tourism cell, partnering with major hotels to offer comprehensive sightseeing packages.

The transformation of the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway from a four-lane to a six-lane thoroughfare, initially slated for completion within 24 months, has encountered substantial delays. The project remains incomplete even after 46 months of the proposed deadline, resulting in a significant financial setback of over ₹21 crores for the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC). Originally scheduled for inauguration in October of this year, the project still has approximately 10% of the work pending.

This prolonged delay has not only impacted the usually bustling highway but has also adversely affected both state-run and private transport services.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation is working to provide optimal facilities for tourists along the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.

Plans include the launch of a food market on the riverfront, with the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation completing the tender process for a water fountain and food market in the 220-square-meter area of Sardar Plaza under Sardar Bridge.

In a strategic move to position Gujarat as a key sports manufacturing hub in India, the state recently hosted a sports startup conclave. During the conclave, authorities outlined the state's policy to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for sports manufacturing plants.

This initiative is anticipated to generate increased job opportunities within the sports sector. Over 60 leading sports startups actively participated in the conclave, underscoring the growing prominence of sports culture in the region.

Despite substantial investments in public transport infrastructure, including AMTS, BRTS, and the ongoing development of a metro system, only a tenth of Ahmedabad's population utilizes and relies on public transport.

Commuters cite last-mile connectivity issues, insufficient parking spaces, and challenges in integrating various modes of transport as key deterrents to wider adoption.