From being a smart city to going on to becoming a megacity by 2030, Ahmedabad seems to be on a fast track. While it is really exciting to know that aapnu Amdavad would be rubbing shoulders with other megacities like New York, Tokyo, Paris et al, extending its wings of infrastructure, public transport, vibrant culture, cosmopolitan fabric and bustling job opportunities, what more can we look forward to from the city that's a welcoming abode to even its new settlers?

As they say, cities are all about people, so any kind of development plan must have a humane touch. Says Prof Subhranshu Goswami, head Environmental Planning, CEPT University, "As Ahmedabad gears up to develop into a megacity, it will not only be about providing newer zones for urban development, but also provide better basic services. A city is all about its people and the development should mean providing good services to them. While the challenges are many, including environmental challenges, working towards the goal with proper planning can make it happen."

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A megacity needs to keep its green cover intact. And shared spaces by larger communities, instead of more private spaces can do that. Anuj Malhotra, CEO, Center for Green Mobility, says, "We need more shared public spaces, like gardens. Shared spaces would also mean that there is better financial aid available, as compared to a number of smaller private spaces, to have good standards. Ahmedabad has always had this shared culture with pols in the old city boasting of such culture, the individual spaces have only developed in last 25 years. So we should develop more such spaces."