Gujarat govt to roll out global-standard street design norms
Inspired by urban centres such as London, Paris, and Singapore, the move aims to create walkable, green, and people-friendly streets that double as public spaces for leisure, movement, and tourism.
Sources in the state urban development department said a proposal to amend the existing General Development Control Rules (GDCR) has been drafted. This includes specific provisions for transforming roads into 'complete streets'—thoroughfares that prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport alongside vehicles.
"In global cities, streets are vibrant public spaces and key tourist attractions. We want to create similar experiences in Gujarat's urban areas," said a senior govt official.
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The proposed changes will require all upcoming Development Plans (DPs), Town Planning Schemes (TPS), and Local Area Plans (LAPs) to explicitly include complete street designs. Basic street sections will be identified in DPs and later tailored during the drafting of TPS and LAPs.
To legally anchor this approach, the state also plans to amend the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act (GTPUDA), making the integration of walkable streets mandatory in all statutory planning documents.
In addition, the state will frame a comprehensive set of SDRs and publish official guidelines to direct the design and implementation of urban streets across diverse cityscapes. These guidelines will ensure that new street infrastructure is safe, accessible, and designed with the pedestrian in mind.
To showcase the model, the state will also support pilot projects in key cities, developing selected roads as 'walkable, green and complete streets'. A dedicated Challenge Fund will be established to encourage cities to take up these pilots, which are expected to serve as templates for future expansion.
Officials added that the initiative will also include changes in legislation and policy to strengthen street management and ensure smooth enforcement of the new norms.
Pointers: From Roads to complete streets
All streets within TPs and LAP are to be designed as complete streets
The Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act (GTPUDA) will be amended to incorporate the changes
A set of Street Design Regulations (SDR) will be developed to guarantee safe and comfortable streets
State to identify and support cities to launch pilot projects for implementing complete streets
Challenge Fund will be created to enable cities to develop pilot streets as walkable, green & complete streets
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