The Central government has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,719.80 crore for Ahmedabad under the Urban Challenge Fund, a programme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate urban development ahead of CWG 2030. The allocation is equivalent to Rs 27.198 billion (bn) and is directed towards transformative works in sanitation, water and transport. Six projects have been sanctioned, covering sewerage rehabilitation, smart water management and integrated transit upgrades. The sewerage overhaul is intended to reduce overflows and leakages and to enable real-time digital monitoring and smart management of sewerage and storm water systems. The production of biogas and green energy from sewage sludge is expected to support an environmentally friendly circular economy and lower operational emissions. An Integrated Transit Management System and an Automated Fare Collection System will provide a Common Mobility Card and a Common Journey Application across AMTS, BRTS and Metro services, with real-time public transport information, AI-enabled route planning and enhanced incident management. Modern in-bus surveillance is to improve passenger safety and incident response across the network. Gujarat has been allocated Rs 6,475 crore in central assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund, enabling cities in the state to undertake projects worth a total of Rs 25,900 crore; these amounts are equivalent to Rs 64.75 bn and Rs 259.0 bn respectively. Under the funding pattern, 25 per cent of project assistance comes from the Central government, 25 per cent from the State government and the remaining 50 per cent is to be mobilised through municipal bonds, loans or public-private partnerships. Accordingly, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will receive Rs 679.95 crore in Central assistance and Rs 679.95 crore in State assistance for these six projects, each amount equivalent to Rs 6.7995 bn, with the remaining funding to be raised through AMC loans. Together, the measures are intended to make Ahmedabad a smarter, cleaner and more resilient city with more sustainable civic services.