27 nov 2011
http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8624/giftsite2011nov27.png



Dec 2011


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--uriuaYIRsM/Tz36_ihfPdI/AAAAAAAAA80/aUGI05Fqlwo/s611/gift%2520city%25202b.png


Jan 2012

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULQESeUA9nY/Tz36-4L2CGI/AAAAAAAAA8s/W9Z1ZPm6zX8/s584/gift%2520city%25201b.png

Now it is clearly visible that the north part of the city is under construction.

its not showing google where you found it

^^
It's digitalglobe imagery. It's convenient as they give new imagery almost every 1-2 months, unlike google. But the only disadvantage is the limited zooming.

Q block model. There are two towers of similar design that are under-construction and both are commercial towers. Iconic towers may be simplified or postpone for next 5 years due to height permission and other financial and technical problems.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/396260_317928954922082_100001149392003_884451_1250554343_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/430967_317929068255404_100001149392003_884452_1097224035_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431543_317928708255440_100001149392003_884449_602762171_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/429656_317930968255214_100001149392003_884454_1785725705_n.jpg

:delete:

Fantastic work... what is this place? That tube like thing coming out of the building looks awesome.

Yeah looks futuristic. But we don't know if they are actually going to implement it. Cuz it looks like they are simplifying everything. So no more futuristic city models as they say. Like underground roads and stuff.

Well its sad that so beautiful marvelous buildings are not yet being built

Yeah looks futuristic. But we don't know if they are actually going to implement it. Cuz it looks like they are simplifying everything. So no more futuristic city models as they say. Like underground roads and stuff.

The one with the "tube" def looks to be a model of the new simplified (ugly) design for the mixed use building in block Q, as posted by IU before link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86140908&postcount=898)

But the "twin-tower" type ones look like models of the original Gateway Towers, which were never meant to be u/c any time soon. Seems like they have just borrowed those models from the original plans to make their stall more attractive? :dunno:

Yes, they surely wont re-modify the structure. And anyway, the tube looks futuristic but it is not that hard to construct. I mean, it looks like a covered pedestrian bridge, in a nutshell (though it is just an extra, instead they could have focused more on improving and modernizing the tower. This tower looks too american, it ought to be 'Asian'ised/ 'Indian'ised :tiasd: )

^^^^ That tube is actually overhead pedestrian walkway which will connect all the towers in a block. It is necessary because GIFT is develop on the basis of walk to work. Due to this pedestrians would get enough space to walk and roads will be free from pedestrians. So, double benefit.
:) :)

^^Atleast that is good news. Cuz it is the future.

Latest updates (20 Feb, 2012)

One of the tower has reached the 1/3rd stage. The 8th and 9th floors seem to be u/c. Now that they are on their way, it should not take much time to complete the rest of the 20-odd floors. Giving one floor around 8-10 days, they should complete at least one tower in the next 5-6 months i.e. around August-September. The second tower seems to be on the 2nd or 3rd floor stage (it is hidden behind the first one). And they have added one more crane. So 2 cranes for 2 towers.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4883/p2201030.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1532/p2201031.jpg


Signboard on Airport-Gandhinagar Road

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3260/p2201028.jpg


A video is worth a thousand pictures :cheers:
(do ignore the last few seconds, forgot to turn it off :doh:)

rNsjV5aba_0


Aside from the actual towers, the infrastructure is also being simultaneously developed.

1) The road leading to the site is being converted to 4-lane.

2) Drainage and Water pipes are being put.

3) The land around the site has almost completely been levelled (as seen in video).

Awesome updates gandhi.rushabh :applause:

Great !!
So which tower is that ? I mean have we seen the render already ?

^^
It's block Q, scroll above and you will see the actual model of the tower.:cheers:

^^^^ gandhi.rushabh1992 good job and thanku

:applause::applause:

:)

Finally visual proof of actual construction.

its so nice to see they are making a city from ground zero in that barren land. I don't think Indian government ever had such a vision :) job well done

^^

Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai (world's largest planned city), Greater Noida ring a bell?

I don't think it would since he is trying out different drugs and girls. :)

Latest updates (20 Feb, 2012)

...



Awesome work Rushabh :cheers:

Am sure there are a lot of people who are keen to see what is going on with GIFT, so your efforts are def appreciated!

Glad to say it looks like construction has picked up some speed since the last updates we saw in December.

^^
It's block Q, scroll above and you will see the actual model of the tower.:cheers:

Oh, you mean this:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/396260_317928954922082_100001149392003_884451_1250554343_n.jpg

Well thanks a lot for this MUCH needed update!!!! We can finally this one coming to fruition.

Yeah, that is what the U/C structure looks like.

^^

Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai (world's largest planned city), Greater Noida ring a bell?

they all 60s and 70s Noida may be 80s. We need more new cities and Modi is the man. I know you hate him so what ever

Perhaps you ought to think before you write then. You wrote:

ever had such a vision"

So accept that you made a mistake.

Any idea of what the number might be for the construction workers?

^^
Are you asking for the labour strength ?

they all 60s and 70s Noida may be 80s. We need more new cities and Modi is the man. I know you hate him so what ever

Well, India does have a long history of planned cities, dating back to Harappan civ. However IMO, GIFT is perhaps the most ambitious of them all, and also it has a much shorter time span for completion. The other cities took 20-30 years to complete. :cheers:

^^
Are you asking for the labour strength ?

total number of workers that are working right now.

Initially there were supposed to be 40,000 workers. However for 2 towers I think they would need around 100-150 labourers. This is L&T we are talking about. They use maximum technology and minimum labour.

Thanks gandhi.rushabh1992 for latest picture. Progress is looking good.

It is high time now for google to update the GIFT area. Its frustrating to see that tiny site office when there is so much more to see. I am especially interested in the terrain behind the u/c towers. Surely some progress must have been made in the rest of the city also.

Guys, is this project going to look anything like the original renders released 5 years ago, or has it been scaled down?

^^
The riverfront skyline is going to be the same, while the internal building have been simplified in design. See the last 10 pages of the thread, you will find all the latest changes and development. :)

Ckeck out new website

http://www.giftgujarat.in/

New Website is looking nice....

But still it does not have latest pics of the under construction buildings... :(

Also, I saw the GIFT Tour and again video is very nice.. but it currently shows the plan of original GIFT area only.. not the one that was extended later... Not sure have they again scrapped the plan of extension...

But whatever the plan is.. Hope the main skyline comes up soon.. I know.. it's not planned until 2nd or 3rd phase.. but hopefully we should see them in real before 2020 :)

Ckeck out new website

http://www.giftgujarat.in/

The GIFT Tour is very good, all the panaromic views are awesome.

But it still does not show the scaled down version of the towers.

why the hell did they scale it down? does it not look as nice now?

For the moment, be thankful that it is being built. And the scaled down versions are not so bad either. Its just that we keep comparing them to the previous versions. Otherwise these towers are very modern by Indian standards, for one thing they have a complete glass facade, which is not that common in a 30 storey tower anywhere in India, and they have very futuristic infrastructure.

For the moment, be thankful that it is being built. And the scaled down versions are not so bad either. Its just that we keep comparing them to the previous versions. Otherwise these towers are very modern by Indian standards, for one thing they have a complete glass facade, which is not that common in a 30 storey tower anywhere in India, and they have very futuristic infrastructure.

Be thankful that they are being built? Why the hell should anyone be thankful? For a job half done? What the hell is special about a 30 story building? Even tiny villages in china have 30 story buildings. Every city in every country in the world has 30 story buildings. So what should everyone be thankful for again?

Have the buildings on the riverfront that were supposed to be 300 meters + been reduced too? Or have they not ruined the project completely?

No, the buildings in the riverfront are gonna look the way they are in the renders. I agree they should've kept the old designs, since then all the buildings will look unique, which none of the cities in the world have. But, we have passed on, they dreamed too much and realized they don't have enough money.

why the hell did they scale it down? does it not look as nice now?

They want India to remain a developing country, maino mata and company and their vested partners in gujrat

del

Be thankful that they are being built? Why the hell should anyone be thankful? For a job half done? What the hell is special about a 30 story building? Even tiny villages in china have 30 story buildings. Every city in every country in the world has 30 story buildings. So what should everyone be thankful for again?

What I meant was that this project has been delayed so much that it is a great relief that something is being built at last, even if they are only 30 storey structures.

They cannot build anything taller at present because AAI has given clearance only till 122 meters. Here's why :-

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1937/giftairport.png

As you see GIFT lies directly on the path of approaching planes.

And it is not viable to compare ourselves with China. They have a completely different style of working than us. We are still not at that stage of economic development that we can build skyscrapers even in villages. :nuts:

:cheers:

Looking forward to Gujarat International Academic City. :banana::cheers:

Am guessing you are talking about this?

x-posting from Gujarat Education/University thread
IIT-Gandhinagar to set up Rs 1,200cr campus

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/IIT-Gandhinagar-to-set-up-Rs-1200cr-campus/articleshow/12127920.cms

450 acre IIT-Gandhinagar campus to be built about 5kms from GIFT, from initial reports, many of the same smart-city and eco-friendly design features that are being used in GIFT are likely to be seen in the campus. Having IIT-Gandhinagar down the road will def be another big positive for GIFT.

India has great potential, and there is scope for many cities to be built like this in India...but there is too much mismanagement, lack of foresight, and lack of desire to be outstanding. The way they have scaled down on this project is a perfect example of all of that

Its a project planned in 2007 aimed at being a banking/financial services hub. They didnt manage to predict the Global Financial Crisis, you can call that lack of foresight if you really want to! :lol:

But lack of ambition? Poor management? Def barking up the wrong tree.

The blocks currently under construction were never going to be much taller than 30flrs even in the original plans, the "scaling down" is more in terms of the architecture/design to save money to help get the project kickstarted. If they were cutting back the smart city technology, (that is actually the most important part of the project) or scaling down the landmark buildings, then id share your concerns about the project.

If you are actually interested in this project, I suggest you go back and read through the thread or check the GIFT website. If you cant find what you are looking for, its always better to ask questions rather than making up your own answers. (especially when you clearly have very little understanding of this project and the reasons for it being kept on ice for a while)

^^
+1

Guys, I read this on wikipedia

The site is 12 km from the Ahmedabad International Airport and 8 km from Gandhinagar and nearby shahpur village . The site abuts a four lane National Highway (NH8) which connects Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on its eastern side. The Sabarmati river demarcates the western boundary of the Project site.

Why is everyone saying it's going to be really far from the airport?

They are building many many huge skyscrapers in Mumbai, I hope what comes up here ends up being bigger

^^
Same here, but there is a difference. Mumbai is building them for lack of space, while these skyscrapers are more of a luxury than necessity. We could have a GIFT which would be 10 times larger in area with 10-12 storeyed towers, but then it will lose its grandness.

GIFT is ahead of its times.. There is nothing wrong in dreaming but at the end of the day Business runs on supply and demand logic. They should have built part of river front in Ahmedabad to keep it inland.

I am very happy that something like GIFT is taking place in gujarat.
But i understand that once modi imagined it, he had to take permission of central government. GIFT seems unique.
Are there any other projects going on in india like GIFT ?
Also consider gujarat is actually earthquake risky zone and they are building tall buildings.
What will happen if quake of 7-8 hits GIFT buildings ? is some technology like japan present in these buildings that they can shake but not fell down ?

i just found out this from wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_megaprojects

i was quite amazed that most of the proects are in US and china and concept behind GIFT is requirement of financial hub in india. does that mean india never felt need of major financial hub in india since last 60 years ? (except mumbai) ??

Look at what people are building in the world and where we are.
i felt kalpasar's absence in the wikipedia list though

Are there any other projects going on in india like GIFT ?


Today, majority of Infra projects are going on up gradation of transport systems like Highways, Railways, etc and Power sector. Currently as per my knowledge India is making tier-I cities as core financial hubs instead of making a greenfield financial hub.

Other multipurpose projects

Dholera SIR & Kalpsar Project by Govt. of Gujarat
Kaladan Project, Kashmir railway, River-linking project, New transhipment port near Trivandrum and much more that I dont know by GOI & other state governments

Also consider gujarat is actually earthquake risky zone and they are building tall buildings.
What will happen if quake of 7-8 hits GIFT buildings ? is some technology like japan present in these buildings that they can shake but not fell down ?

If they are building skyscrapers than obviously they have taken all the precautions from all the possible calamities like earthquake, storm, etc.

i just found out this from wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_megaprojects

i was quite amazed that most of the proects are in US and china and concept behind GIFT is requirement of financial hub in india. does that mean india never felt need of major financial hub in india since last 60 years ? (except mumbai) ??

Look at what people are building in the world and where we are.
i felt kalpasar's absence in the wikipedia list though

OMG :nuts: The cost of GIFT is $20,000,000,000 according to wikipedia. That is equal to Rs 10,00,00,00,00,000 (Rs 1 LAKH CRORE) :crazy2: :crazy2: :shocked:

And it is at the 4th rank worldwide in the costliest projects list :cheers:

I am very happy that something like GIFT is taking place in gujarat.
But i understand that once modi imagined it, he had to take permission of central government. GIFT seems unique.
Are there any other projects going on in india like GIFT ?
Also consider gujarat is actually earthquake risky zone and they are building tall buildings.
What will happen if quake of 7-8 hits GIFT buildings ? is some technology like japan present in these buildings that they can shake but not fell down ?

There are a few good projects proposed in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor area. KHED city in Maharashtra (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1442650) which is more like a mini-Dholera than being comparable to GIFT.

What a lot newcomers dont realise, is that back when GIFT was announced, (before the global financial crisis) there were other similar/bigger projects announced for other states.


In Karnataka, an IT/Nanotechnology hub called the Bidadi Knowledge City (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=637645) between Bangalore and Mysore, Cancelled.

In Andhra, an IT/Biotechnology/Robotics project called the Odyssey Sciency City (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435097) at Anantapur, Cancelled.

In Haryana for IT/Nanotechnology/Biotechnology, there was the Nanocity project (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=588540), Cancelled, then shifted to Dholera, Gujarat instead.

In other parts, there was meant to be another financial hub coming up in TN, not sure what happened with that, seems to have gone quiet for a couple of years as well.

So overall, the thing that sticks in my mind, is that in all the years that GIFT was on-hold, nothing else comparable has even been proposed anywhere else in India that could rival it, let alone get u/c. I personally think that is quite ridiculous, but thats the state of play in India nowadays.

i just found out this from wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_megaprojects

i was quite amazed that most of the proects are in US and china and concept behind GIFT is requirement of financial hub in india. does that mean india never felt need of major financial hub in india since last 60 years ? (except mumbai) ??

Look at what people are building in the world and where we are.
i felt kalpasar's absence in the wikipedia list though

Forget upcoming projects like Kalpasar, even Sardar Sarovar Dam and Narmada Canal network arent listed there. Wiki is wiki, nothing more, nothing less!

But when you say financial hub, the important thing to note is that Bombay has inherited the crown of being Indias financial capital, but its GIFT that has become the first place in India to get certification as an international financial services centre. (link) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87034352&postcount=951), currently Bombay cannot offer the kinds of financial services that many other major financial centres can.

The experts say that in total, India needs about 4 of these. The first of them is GIFT.

Some global projects that GIFT wants to compare itself to are


King Abdullah Financial City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=348428)
Masdar Abu-Dhabi, UAE (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=585191)
Songdo City, Incheon, Korea (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=509866)
Moscow International Business Centre, Russia (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=297180)


Songdo is the one that GIFT aims to be most directly comparable to. Korea has always been one of the biggest inspirations for the Gujarat model of development.

^^
Woah, you have put all the cards on the table :)

Good info GJ10... Is there a list of financial/ IT companies that signed up for GIFT.... ? Displacing Mumbai is big task but GIFT can be JERSEY CITY of Manhattan to compliment Mumbai..

I see it happening. Mumbai has lost its way and with NCP- Congress in power.. I dont think they even have a vision for future Mumbai. We need atleast 5 Modis in atleast 5 states.

I see it happening. Mumbai has lost its way and with NCP- Congress in power.. I dont think they even have a vision for future Mumbai. We need atleast 5 Modis in atleast 5 states.

Or we need Modi to become the damn prime minister and revolutionize the whole country

Awesome I hope it looks something like the New Songdo City in Korea

Good info GJ10... Is there a list of financial/ IT companies that signed up for GIFT.... ? Displacing Mumbai is big task but GIFT can be JERSEY CITY of Manhattan to compliment Mumbai..

Theres no point trying to run before learning to walk. Once the first buildings are built, the primary aim will be to provide an inroad into a sector of the economy that doesnt really exist in Gujarat yet. Ultimately, it will be down to the free market and corporate world to decide if it will be a success or a failure.

One thing that may prove to be significant for GIFT is that RBI is in the process of issuing approx 5 new banking licenses. Some of the biggest names in the race are corporates which have very strong links with Gujarat such as Reliance, Tata, and L&T link1, link2 (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/banking/corporates-like-tata-group-anil-ambanis-reliance-capital-gear-up-for-bank-licence-battle/articleshow/9798426.cms)

Re companies signed up; when GIFT was initially announced, there was a lot of promotion and publicity, with many companies signing MOUs, but when the project was put on hold, these agreements all expired and the Gujarat Govt suffered a big PR hit. Any project/investment that has suffered a setback during global financial crisis (or by failing to get central govt clearance) is enthusiastically logged in those "only x% of investments in Gujarat have materialised" articles that are always circulated. In recent years, with big projects like GIFT and Ahmedabad Metro especially, there is a definite move away from the kind of promotion and publicity that has led to all the accusations of "hype" from outsiders.

This time around, there is generally a lot of secrecy about GIFT, all the relevent trade bodies and companies will be aware of the project from the first time it was announced. So its either a case of companies waiting for the first buildings and support infra to be built before investing, or any investments are being kept under wraps until Gujarat election (Nov/Dec 2012) or the next Vibrant Gujarat (Jan 2013).

Meanwhile, finally a new "rival" project seems to have emerged, surprisingly enough, its in Mamta Bannerjees Kolkata. She is aiming to create a financial hub for which the foundation stone has been laid this weekend. link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=89323397&postcount=1191)

Finally got a chance to visit GIFT city through a class group visit arranged by CEPT. Met all the site engineers and project managers and got a lot of info.

There is a lot more to GIFT than meets the eye. First of all the towers are being constructed at almost breakneck speed. Every floor is being constructed in a record 7 days or 4 floors per month. That is the fastest speed ever achieved in India. So the frame of tower 1 should be completed by August and the towers (atleast tower 1) will be opened to public by 31 Dec 2012.

Then the construction techniques used are the finest currently available in the world. Instead of the conventional separate formwork for columns, beams and slabs, here aluminium formwork tables are being used which are lighter in weight and saves a great deal of time. There are only columns and flat slabs which are post-tensioned (no beams). So immediately after the tables have been used, they are brought to the next floor with the help of hydraulic jacks and tower cranes.

Then a few interesting features of the towers :- There are 14 elevators in each tower, and four offices on each floor. One entire floor on one of the tower is going to be allotted to IL&FS.

Then all the smart technologies are really being applied. For instance the district cooling system has been built with all the A.C. ducts going towards one end of the building, which will be connected to a central cooling system. Then they have made arrangements for the chutes of the automated garbage disposal system. The work on the glass facade has begun.

The labour quarters (the pic that I posted some time ago) has been adjudged one of the best. There are 300 labourers and 60 engineers and other staff. The residential towers are going to start soon, its site has been excavated.

Pics :-

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6631/img0085ap.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/6862/img0086ajk.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9897/img0091az.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/410/img0095ap.jpg

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/2459/img0101aa.jpg

The 12th floor is u/c. A month back, in my last update the 8th floor was u/c. So it proves that they are going at 4 floors per month. :cheers:

wow!

Thats Crazy News Rushabh :nuts: I am impressed!!! To construct flat slabs instead of conventional is a master stroke.
So even if renders of the tower look comparatively simple, from the details given, it is clear that technology is among the best in the lot. And they have not forgot the state of art features like district cooling and automatic garbage disposal system.

By the way Rushabh are you a student or professor at CEPT?
By any chance you know Anuj (Infrastructure management), Aadil (CPM)??

Indeed, now the design of the towers are not that much important. It is the technology that counts. Their overall aim is speed and they are definitely achieving that.

I am a student of SBST. I dont know them coz they are in PG courses and we dont have much contact with those students.

Imagine if this sort of technology could be used across India, how fast things could be built. :cheers:

when will be the building's at riverfront u/c

Good updates Rushabh! :cheers:

The view from the tallest point of the tower 1, I think the entire levelled area for GIFT is visible here.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/492/p210320121530.jpg

delete

Thanks for the updates.

Great updates!! Any info on the water barrages for the River waterfront and the road/power/water linkages?

Well, I dont think the waterfront will be built now, not till the construction of the main skyline. But the barrage should be u/c or maybe even finished by now.

The road leading to the site is being converted to 4-lane. Also GIFT will be connected to NH 8 by another road (dont know its status).

Power lines have been installed along the main road. However these lines are hung on those towers which we see everywhere, whereas I think GIFT will have underground cables for power lines, so perhaps these are just temporary. Dont know anything about water provision.

Whoa great updates :cheers:
What i really cant wait for is the cladding. It will be the make or break of these towers, since they are essentially blocks now. I have high expectations for this now...

great updates rushab...... :cheers:

^^^^ +1

amazing ....... we too are going for site visit at GIFT next Friday.

:) :) :)

Whoa great updates :cheers:
What i really cant wait for is the cladding. It will be the make or break of these towers, since they are essentially blocks now. I have high expectations for this now...

Cladding doesnt mean it will be make or break - the make or break point was passed when they did bhumi pooja a year ago!! :D

If anything - the frequency of signing up of Domestic and Financial Corporations would be make or break - as GIFT is targeting itself as a multi-billion $ world Financial center and their onboarding in GIFT is what Gujarat has to sell!!

This is the prerequisite for IF city (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_centre)quoted from Wiki - but with Modi at helm - this shouldnt be that hard to pull off!!



1. New York City
2. London
3. Tokyo
4. Hong Kong
5. Singapore
6. Shanghai
7. Paris
8. Frankfurt
9. Sydney
10. Amsterdam

11. Others. Cities such as São Paulo and Johannesburg and other "would-be hubs" lack liquidity and the "skills base," according to one source.[6] Financial industries in countries and regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Korea and Malaysia require not only well-trained people but the "whole institutional infrastructure of laws, regulations, contracts, trust and disclosure" which takes time to happen.[6] *

Cladding doesnt mean it will be make or break - the make or break point was passed when they did bhumi pooja a year ago!! :D



I meant aesthetically...

^^^^ +1

amazing ....... we too are going for site visit at GIFT next Friday.

:) :) :)

So are you involved in the project?

Rushabh, excellent update. Great to see such fast progress, hopefully Diamond Tower will be built at this speed.

from now , it has good progress . So how much time it will take to be completed ?

Good job Rushab. Lots of ghee and shakkar to you!

Check out this TOI article on GIFT's site:
http://giftgujarat.in/documents/TOI_February-4-2012.pdf

Next in line to be constructed are 4 towers of 29 floors, each 122 meters tall by private developers. It also mentions that a school, hospital, hotel and convention center are already underconstruction. Did you see any of those?

The tenders section also suggests that a multi level car parking facility is also in the works:
http://giftgujarat.in/tenders/tenders.aspx

Thanx.

No I did'nt get the chance to see them. Maybe they are being constructed somewhere else. I went only to the 2 towers. Maybe civilengineer079 can have better luck :)

I hope they lift the 122 meter restriction fast, otherwise even these 30 storey towers will look boring. Some height variation will look nice.

from now , it has good progress . So how much time it will take to be completed ?

L&T is going to hand over tower 1 (QC1) by 31st Dec 2012 :cheers: I dont know about QC2. ANC Dubai is building it.

So are you involved in the project?

We are going for site visit only to enhance our practical knowledge and not for other specific purpose. They have informed that their will be 1hr. of presentation and 2hr. for site visiting.

Well, I dont think the waterfront will be built now, not till the construction of the main skyline. But the barrage should be u/c or maybe even finished by now.

The road leading to the site is being converted to 4-lane. Also GIFT will be connected to NH 8 by another road (dont know its status).

Power lines have been installed along the main road. However these lines are hung on those towers which we see everywhere, whereas I think GIFT will have underground cables for power lines, so perhaps these are just temporary. Dont know anything about water provision.

Very Very wonderful news!!:banana::banana::banana::banana: I thought they were just starting, but it seems they have progressed a lot, by the way.. would it be right to say that they have completed about 20-30% of the work?

^^
That depends... If you are looking at the entire project, then maybe about 4-5%, phase 1 - 15-20%, the 2 towers - around 50%. :)

There are a few good projects proposed in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor area. KHED city in Maharashtra (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1442650) which is more like a mini-Dholera than being comparable to GIFT.

What a lot newcomers dont realise, is that back when GIFT was announced, (before the global financial crisis) there were other similar/bigger projects announced for other states.


In Karnataka, an IT/Nanotechnology hub called the Bidadi Knowledge City (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=637645) between Bangalore and Mysore, Cancelled.

In Andhra, an IT/Biotechnology/Robotics project called the Odyssey Sciency City (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435097) at Anantapur, Cancelled.

In Haryana for IT/Nanotechnology/Biotechnology, there was the Nanocity project (ssc thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=588540), Cancelled, then shifted to Dholera, Gujarat instead.

In other parts, there was meant to be another financial hub coming up in TN, not sure what happened with that, seems to have gone quiet for a couple of years as well.

So overall, the thing that sticks in my mind, is that in all the years that GIFT was on-hold, nothing else comparable has even been proposed anywhere else in India that could rival it, let alone get u/c. I personally think that is quite ridiculous, but thats the state of play in India nowadays.



Forget upcoming projects like Kalpasar, even Sardar Sarovar Dam and Narmada Canal network arent listed there. Wiki is wiki, nothing more, nothing less!

But when you say financial hub, the important thing to note is that Bombay has inherited the crown of being Indias financial capital, but its GIFT that has become the first place in India to get certification as an international financial services centre. (link) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87034352&postcount=951), currently Bombay cannot offer the kinds of financial services that many other major financial centres can.

The experts say that in total, India needs about 4 of these. The first of them is GIFT.

Some global projects that GIFT wants to compare itself to are


King Abdullah Financial City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=348428)
Masdar Abu-Dhabi, UAE (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=585191)
Songdo City, Incheon, Korea (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=509866)
Moscow International Business Centre, Russia (SSC Thread) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=297180)


Songdo is the one that GIFT aims to be most directly comparable to. Korea has always been one of the biggest inspirations for the Gujarat model of development.

Good this project is working out well. If this comes out well it can inspire some other projects in other states.^^

Yeah. This project is in finance, it can inspire similar big projects in education, healthcare, research, IT and so on if it succeeds. You only need one successful project to inspire others to replicate it.

L&T is going to hand over tower 1 (QC1) by 31st Dec 2012 :cheers: I dont know about QC2. ANC Dubai is building it.

Hi Rushabh :) I am new to this forum and in some way connected with the GIFT Project. I had the opportunity to visit the site last week and saw some banners claiming "Lets achieve this by August 15, 2012!!!
Cheers :)

Good job Rushab. Lots of ghee and shakkar to you!

Check out this TOI article on GIFT's site:
http://giftgujarat.in/documents/TOI_February-4-2012.pdf

Next in line to be constructed are 4 towers of 29 floors, each 122 meters tall by private developers. It also mentions that a school, hospital, hotel and convention center are already underconstruction. Did you see any of those?

The tenders section also suggests that a multi level car parking facility is also in the works:
http://giftgujarat.in/tenders/tenders.aspx

Hi IndiansUnite :)

I cannot comment on the veracity of the times article but the first 2 towers are 30 floors each with a total height of 120 mtrs, the clients being IL&FS and the contractors being L&T & ANC. A total of upto 90 towers are planned for GIFT City.

Cheers :)

Hi Rushabh :) I am new to this forum and in some way connected with the GIFT Project. I had the opportunity to visit the site last week and saw some banners claiming "Lets achieve this by August 15, 2012!!!
Cheers :)

Welcome, finally we have someone who is connected to the site.

I guess with L&T, even 15th Aug is possible (though it will take superhuman efforts to achieve that deadline)

Welcome, finally we have someone who is connected to the site.

Thanks Rushabh :)

I hope to keep members on this forum updated of the goings on at GIFT City. Some of the finest technologies will be in use in some towers here. There will be many "firsts".

Will keep you all posted.

Cheers :)

Thanks Rushabh :)

I hope to keep members on this forum updated of the goings on at GIFT City. Some of the finest technologies will be in use in some towers here. There will be many "firsts".

Will keep you all posted.

Cheers :)

awesome !! cant wait for it :cheers: :banana:

Thanks Rushabh :)

I hope to keep members on this forum updated of the goings on at GIFT City. Some of the finest technologies will be in use in some towers here. There will be many "firsts".

Will keep you all posted.

Cheers :)

That would be great if you can provide regular updates.

Finally got a chance to visit GIFT city through a class group visit arranged by CEPT. Met all the site engineers and project managers and got a lot of info.

There is a lot more to GIFT than meets the eye. First of all the towers are being constructed at almost breakneck speed. Every floor is being constructed in a record 7 days or 4 floors per month. That is the fastest speed ever achieved in India. So the frame of tower 1 should be completed by August and the towers (atleast tower 1) will be opened to public by 31 Dec 2012.

Then the construction techniques used are the finest currently available in the world. Instead of the conventional separate formwork for columns, beams and slabs, here aluminium formwork tables are being used which are lighter in weight and saves a great deal of time. There are only columns and flat slabs which are post-tensioned (no beams). So immediately after the tables have been used, they are brought to the next floor with the help of hydraulic jacks and tower cranes.

Then a few interesting features of the towers :- There are 14 elevators in each tower, and four offices on each floor. One entire floor on one of the tower is going to be allotted to IL&FS.

Then all the smart technologies are really being applied. For instance the district cooling system has been built with all the A.C. ducts going towards one end of the building, which will be connected to a central cooling system. Then they have made arrangements for the chutes of the automated garbage disposal system. The work on the glass facade has begun.

The labour quarters (the pic that I posted some time ago) has been adjudged one of the best. There are 300 labourers and 60 engineers and other staff. The residential towers are going to start soon, its site has been excavated.

Excellent report! The way that the designs for the building got changed without much publicity, had a slight worry that we may not know whether the advanced tech would get cut until the buildings were u/c. Really good to have confirmation that district cooling and the waste disposal system is included!

and Great pics as always! :cheers:

Hi Rushabh :) I am new to this forum and in some way connected with the GIFT Project. I had the opportunity to visit the site last week and saw some banners claiming "Lets achieve this by August 15, 2012!!!
Cheers :)

Welcome to the forum dude :okay:

Look forward to your updates/insights! Its so great that the forum now has a few members who able to visit the site and give on the ground reports! :cheers:

Welcome Omega Man. A project of this scale needs a few forumers who can update us regularly.

awesome !! cant wait for it :cheers: :banana:
Sure, Thanks :)
That would be great if you can provide regular updates.
Sure, Thanks :)
Welcome to the forum dude :okay:
Look forward to your updates/insights! Its so great that the forum now has a few members who able to visit the site and give on the ground reports! :cheers:
Thanks :)
Welcome Omega Man. A project of this scale needs a few forumers who can update us regularly.
Thanks :)

Any news about diamond tower,naga towers

Any news about diamond tower,naga towers

Hi Nishant :) those 2 towers are years away but these 2 towers are a welcome start.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Anyone wondered how the glass facade on these amazingly designed glass towers may be cleaned externally?

In Mumbai, some of the best landmarks are in total mess as most of the glass facade is beyond reach for cleaning with a cradle or by any other means.

Ever noticed that every glass panel, that opens even at the slightest inclined angle, seems to catch a thick layer of dust.

Also, many towers in Mumbai & elsewhere, can be seen sporting damaged/broken glass, temporarily patched-up with taped plastic sheets, marring the majestic look of the tower. Reason: Its too expensive to carry out maintenance work each time a glass breaks, so they wait for more than a dozen glass to be broken before calling in the maintenance guys so as to cut costs. Fatal risk factor to life is a matter of concern too.

Going by the design of some of the towers at GIFT, it seems impossible to suspend a cradle to clean the glass towers externally. Even if they manage to, they may need to hire professional stuntmen to get the job done. Even so, some of the areas will never be accessible.

Request your valued inputs on the subject. Any ideas anyone? Comments please?

Hi Nishant :) those 2 towers are years away but these 2 towers are a welcome start.

But i had heard that they have changed the designs of these towers...is it true

Omega man, you have raised a very critical issue. Indeed the architect's grand visions for his tower and the engineer's hard efforts are marred by the acute lack of maintenance.

All big highrise projects in the west have those suspended platforms installed wherein a person can easily clean the entire glass facade. Maybe due to its high cost it has not been generally used in India. But at least we can have some kind of strong hooks attached to the parapet wall and trained persons can hang from there and do the cleaning. This can be done atleast twice or thrice a year.

I dont see such problems arising for the GIFT towers. They are supposed to be showcased to the public and thus maintenance will be one of their top priorities.

Straight structures can be cleaned easily but what about inclined structures?

As regards the hanging cradle system, despite taking all safety measures, there have been fatal accidents. Watch this video on youtube for eg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37VZu5ZqmPE

In tall towers, like the Diamond Tower, wind speeds at higher floors is formidable. There is no chance of hanging a cradle for cleaning, no matter how secure the cables to the cradle, it will fly off like a matchstick. Wind behavior at higher floors is notorious.

Omega man, you have raised a very critical issue. Indeed the architect's grand visions for his tower and the engineer's hard efforts are marred by the acute lack of maintenance.

All big highrise projects in the west have those suspended platforms installed wherein a person can easily clean the entire glass facade. Maybe due to its high cost it has not been generally used in India. But at least we can have some kind of strong hooks attached to the parapet wall and trained persons can hang from there and do the cleaning. This can be done atleast twice or thrice a year.

I dont see such problems arising for the GIFT towers. They are supposed to be showcased to the public and thus maintenance will be one of their top priorities.

There are taller and more "complicated" towers than what is planned for GIFT already existing in China, Middle East and elsewhere. Whatever they do to clean them there is surely what they will do for GIFT.

Dont really see what the big issue is, or am I missing something? :dunno:

^^
Yeah, even after 2 years of construction and despite being in a desert, the Burj Khalifa is still shining.

This is how Burj Khalifa is cleaned using cheap labor from Asian countries. They have to slog in sweltering heat dangling like puppets and the work goes on all year round in phases as by the time they reach the last glass panel, the first one is ready to be cleaned again. The arabs can bear the high costs involved with such labor but not us indians as we are cost conscious.

Check the pic in below link and decide for yourself about the risks involved to human life.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGubN644LFM/TaNDlSQmLwI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/7gK_Od2Czn4/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG

BTW, while I was at the GIFT site for a few minutes, my car was covered in dust despite 4 tankers spraying water all over the place to settle the dust. Wonder what will happen to the first 2 towers by the time the last tower in GIFT is up.

Check out some designs by James Law Cybertecture for Cities in India to understand my concerns with cleaning glass facades in such complex design towers.

There are taller and more "complicated" towers than what is planned for GIFT already existing in China, Middle East and elsewhere. Whatever they do to clean them there is surely what they will do for GIFT.

Dont really see what the big issue is, or am I missing something? :dunno:

^^
Yeah, even after 2 years of construction and despite being in a desert, the Burj Khalifa is still shining.

.....or am I missing something? :dunno:

:) Yes you are GJ10 and I will address that concern :soon:

Great to have an insider for this project on this forum. Thanks for the info man.

BTW, while I was at the GIFT site for a few minutes, my car was covered in dust despite 4 tankers spraying water all over the place to settle the dust. Wonder what will happen to the first 2 towers by the time the last tower in GIFT is up.

But GIFT is not in a desert like stupid mid east. After they got the trees and grass I dont think dust will be a problem

Thats the irony, towers in sandstorm hit Middle East shine, while those in our concrete jungle cities dont.

You just need to take one look at any of the slightest open glass panels on any glass facade tower, no matter how new it is, to understand the issue. If the glass facade on a tower is even slightly inclined, dust envelops it. Trust me, I speak from experience. :)

Anyways, how does one feel cleaning the glass facade of a 100 floor tower at a height of 300+ meters?

Most of the recent upcoming 100+ floor glass facade towers are residences. How should one feel when the cleaning guys peek in like peeping toms into their homes? That is if it is possible at all to perform cleaning at those dizzying heights perched on a dangling cradle.

BTW, if you ever happen to visit Mumbai, just check out some of our glass facade structures & towers. All that glitters is certainly not gold. :)

But GIFT is not in a desert like stupid mid east. After they got the trees and grass I dont think dust will be a problem

Thank you bhargavsura, :) you are most welcome. This is just the beginning.

Great to have an insider for this project on this forum. Thanks for the info man.

I think only artificial rainfall can save the towers from getting dirty :nuts: :hahaha:

Can someone pls summarize the GIFT plan?

How many towers? how many floors and how tall each tower is? and how many million sqft of office space?

Targeted date for completion and current status also..

Just a comparison between the render and the u/c structure.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2784/33291945.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/410/img0095ap.jpg

Rs 220 crore earmarked for Gandhinagar (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/03/26&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00504&ViewMode=HTML)

....while an additional allocation of Rs 64 crore has been made to road to Gift City.

Good one Rushabh, :hahaha:
Why cant we have some sort of technology which can clean any glass tower of any shape or size at the touch of a button, remotely, sensor-based or pre-programmed.

Something that operates like wipers with sprinklers on cars.
Something that automatically operates by sensing the humidity & rain.
Something that is pre-programmable & user friendly.
Something that involves no risk to human life.
Something that not just cleans but maintains & works as rescue unit in case of fire or emergency.
Something that gets the job done in hours and not months or years.
Something where privacy can be maintained so no cleaning guys can peek inside the building. (Especially Residences).
Something that's quick on ROI - Return on Investment.
Something that eliminates the cradle unit altogether.

THINK, THINK, THINK OUT OF THE BOX :)

I think only artificial rainfall can save the towers from getting dirty :nuts: :hahaha:

GIFT website has been updated recently.

Can someone pls summarize the GIFT plan?

How many towers? how many floors and how tall each tower is? and how many million sqft of office space?

Targeted date for completion and current status also..

GIFT website has been updated recently.
They say height is 410 meters..is the tower under construction that tall? looks small to me...

also info is 8.5 million st ft in total which is huge! Is that also correct or has it been changed?

Ok guys, updates are getting lost in all the repeated questions and bizarre window-cleaning obsessions. So have created a diff thread for UPDATES ONLY on the under-construction block Q link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=89823427#post89823427)

Any off topic questions/discussions will be moved into this thread.

:cheers:

Next buildings to be built at GIFT:

4 x 122mtrs, 2million sq ft link (http://giftgujarat.in/documents/TOI_February-4-2012.pdf)

Deadline for bids is 27/03/12, so hopefully will hear some more info soon.

Now that first towers well into construction, really time for the project to kick on.

Ok guys, updates are getting lost in all the repeated questions and bizarre window-cleaning obsessions. So have created a diff thread for UPDATES ONLY on the under-construction block Q link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=89823427#post89823427)

Any off topic questions/discussions will be moved into this thread.

:cheers:
thanks, nice update thread...so mainly 2 commercial building of 120+ mtrs as of now..good start but bangalore, mumbai, delhi have much larger services/financial based office spaces which are being built or are already being used...

As you said, its a start.

And yes, the first 2 buildings are no comparison for 3 of the biggest cities in the world. Good job for spotting that. :okay:

Excellent GJ10 !!!

Rushab, this seems to be the 4 lane road that you had mentioned they were constructing?

March 9 - Copyright AFP (source (http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/sports/photosearch.jsp?cap=gujarat+AND+international&x=19&y=12))

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7855/141132399gty.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9320/photo133156721045110.jpg
Indian labourers use heavy machinery to work on a road leading to a construction site of Gujarat International Finance Tec City - GIFT City - on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.



http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9660/14736550gty.jpghttp://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3073/showimagewe.jpg
Director-in-Charge of Gujarat International Finance Tec City - GIFT City - Ramakantbhai Jha gestures as he looks at a model of the planned site on the outskirts of Gandhinagar


Block Q pictures can be found in the new thread created by GJ.

Good Job on creating a new thread for GIFT Updates GJ10 :)

I have seen the architects drawings of the 2 towers under construction. Being in some way associated with the project, I am unaware of any more towers coming up in near future.

Next buildings to be built at GIFT:

4 x 122mtrs, 2million sq ft link (http://giftgujarat.in/documents/TOI_February-4-2012.pdf)

Deadline for bids is 27/03/12, so hopefully will hear some more info soon.

Now that first towers well into construction, really time for the project to kick on.

Good Job on creating a new thread for GIFT Updates GJ10 :)

I have seen the architects drawings of the 2 towers under construction. Being in some way associated with the project, I am unaware of any more towers coming up in near future.

If you dont mind us asking, what is your involvement with the project exactly?

Re next batch of buildings, I am just going by the tender deadline link (http://giftgujarat.in/documents/GIFT_Building_Addendum_2_03162012.pdf) as well as the article posted earlier.

The RFQ/RFP document for the next batch of buildings has been available on request from the website for a few months. link to request form (http://giftgujarat.in/tenders/information-sheet.aspx)

As IU said, based on prev reports, second block is likely to be block P (possibly in an altered design though). While block Q needed a big redesign to fit 122m limit from original plan of 165m, block P originally only had one simple box which was meant to be 140m, rest of originally planned buildings seemed like they would be ok for the current 122m cut-off mark.

If you dont mind us asking, what is your involvement with the project exactly?

Well, I am unable to reveal the extent of my involvement with the project at this stage but, I must say this though, I am trying my best to leave a lasting impression on Tower 2. Been working 24x7 for the purpose. Will reveal all soon. Keeping my fingers crossed until then. Will need loads of luck. You will be the first one to know once I succeed, SOON :)

whoaaa... I can't believe there are tons of guys like me who are waiting for GIFT to get operational.

Hopeful for some IT/ITES opportunities in GIFT.

any idea , when 122m restriction will be removed.

Well, I am unable to reveal the extent of my involvement with the project at this stage but, I must say this though, I am trying my best to leave a lasting impression on Tower 2. Been working 24x7 for the purpose. Will reveal all soon. Keeping my fingers crossed until then. Will need loads of luck. You will be the first one to know once I succeed, soon :)

Thats great - but one thing that gets us going is pics - looks like you're in Prime position to flood this starving thread for site updates. Anything of the like you just mentioned - if you can contribute (without compromising your security naturally)- will seriously put this project in the limelight (even more than it currently is).

Thank you sixsigma1978 :)

I may be at the site this friday, maybe bang into CivilEngineer079. If not I will be there next tuesday. Hopefully I will be able to post some good news soon.

Cheers

Thats great - but one thing that gets us going is pics - looks like you're in Prime position to flood this starving thread for site updates. Anything of the like you just mentioned - if you can contribute (without compromising your security naturally)- will seriously put this project in the limelight (even more than it currently is).

^^^

Thanks a lot man .. just try to give us some pictorial update whenever you can .. that will really be a great !!

watch-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gLkVnb9amA

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7291/misionoficialcostaricai.jpg

As seen in the pic provided by IU, the current block being developed i.e. block Q does not lie in the SEZ zone, while the rest of the area has been granted SEZ status. They are trying to get SEZ status for block P and Q also.

Total area of GIFT is 886 acres out of which 261 acres is GIFT SEZ.
Total estimated cost of whole project is INR 375000 crore.

GIFT is now divided into four parts

GIFTCL
GIFTSEZ
GIFTICT
and _____ forgotten :ohno:

A special tower will be dedicated to GIFTSEZ in SEZ area it will also have a special customs department. No one will be allowed inside the SEZ building except its employees. Even GIFTCL employee cant go to GIFTSEZ office without permission.

If you buy from GIFTSEZ and you want to take it out from SEZ then you have to pay customs duty on it. Your laptop or mobile or any other will be barcoded before you enter to the SEZ.

It is the last SEZ of India and first Financial SEZ of India.

Fencing is provided on the boundaries of SEZ so no person can enter without gate pass and only one gate is provided to enter SEZ area.

In phase1 only there will be 9 towers of 122m height each. All the basic infrastructure like DC (District Cooling), storm water canal, drainage, etc. will be ready in phase1 only.

Cost of DC of phase1 is only 92crore.

Each phase will take 4 years to cover.

After completion of all the towers of 122m height AAI will increase the height limit to some extent.

There is also one good news :) and two bad news :ohno:

Good News - New airport for Ahmedabad i.e Fedra is u/c and GIFT City bares 25% of the cost of the project.

Bad News - After 3-4 years Amdavadis have to travel 2hrs (85km) down the way to Fedra just to catch flight for Mumbai :nuts:

This is very very sad news for Ahmedabad ... After completion of GIFT it will badly destroy the economy of our city as major service sector will be shifted to GIFT. Thus decreasing the economic power of Ahmedabad.

Two bridges on Sabarmati i.e Live bridge and Signature bridge are also their in the project but it will be constructed after some time.

@CivilEngineer079 Thanks for updates. Never knew about such restrictions on SEZ area.

Why do u say GIFT will destroy the economy of Ahm'd?? I feel in a decade or more, GIFT would get integrated into Ahmedabad mega region or something in those lines.

P.S: I think Banglore also has the airport which is far away from the city.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542916_341648042550173_100001149392003_942949_228669812_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536279_341648285883482_100001149392003_942954_2043809196_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561253_341648152550162_100001149392003_942951_163252890_n.jpg

Way leading to GIFT SEZ
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536278_341648235883487_100001149392003_942953_965951910_n.jpg

GIFT Site Office
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532997_341648335883477_100001149392003_942955_174334313_n.jpg

Sorry friends I cant get more pics as photography is strictly prohibited at the site.

Why do u say GIFT will destroy the economy of Ahm'd?? I feel in a decade or more, GIFT would get integrated into Ahmedabad mega region or something in those lines.

P.S: I think Banglore also has the airport which is far away from the city.

GIFT SEZ will attract more and more finance companies from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Singapore and all around the world. SEZ means there is no tax inside the SEZ area. A separate government rules the specific area. and as there is tax benefit why any company choose Ahmedabad as GIFT provides all services better than Ahmedabad.

Oh well.. That is true..

In many cases in the US, I have seen roads being built first before any development of houses or commercial structure. Even though there are "roads" here, they are not concrete. Why do they not concretize the roads before any further development?

^^ They are already working on the roads. They are expanding the 4m roads to 10m from both the side. i.e from G'nagar and NH8 and also the interior and arterial roads. Concreting the roads will may be the next step and as no layman has to use that roads just now then why waste money for just concreting the roads. They are making 4 lane roads and I think so that it is enough.


http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9320/photo133156721045110.jpg

Do you know what would be total width of the roads that are planned to serve inside GIFT?

GIFT SEZ will also have permission for alcohol consumption but only for foreigners who are inside the SEZ residing in 5* hotels. So, I think so much debated topic that due to dry state IT companies don't show interest in Gujarat is come to a conclusion.
As SEZ will handle only IT and financial companies in Processing Area (PA) 50% of GIFT SEZ. So be ready Gujarat for future IT and Financial hub of India. :cheers:

Great updates CivilEngineer! :cheers:

Really amazed to hear that the Fedara Airport is u/c!? Did you manage to get any more info about that?

From Block Q thread
QC1
floors - G+28 (122m)
company - L&T
floors completed - 11 completed & 12th u/c
rate of work - initially 9 days/floor but now 7 days/floor
workers involved - 1000 (majority Indians)


QC2
floors - G+28 (122m)
company - ANC
floors completed - 4 completed & 5th u/c
rate of work - after completion of first 5 five floors rate will be 5 days/floor
workers involved - 400(all from Dubai)

Though L&T has completed 11 floors local people bet that ANC will complete it faster than L&T. Because ANC is using latest technologies.

QC2 has also record of placing 1200 cubic meter concrete in just 36 hours. This is biggest mass concreting record in whole Gujarat. Ahead record was of Sardar Sarovar Dam of 400 cubic meter.

There are total 12 passenger + 2 service elevators, so total 14 elevators in each tower.

At every seven floor interval a emergency space will be provided so in case of fire, occupants can go that emergency area.

In case of very very strong earthquake also building can stand for 5 minutes so people can move out of the tower in mean time. So special methods are adopted.

There will be total 4+4 lane arterial road and at central there will be landscaping+Metro and below it there will be a huge hollow corridor to pass cables, water, etc.

Mr. Modi wants to dedicate both the towers to nation on 15th August 2012. So, they are very pressurized for completion of towers till that date.

Again, great info here! Aug15 is about 20weeks away, whether they can meet that deadline remains to be seen, but hopefully we will see some great progressive updates on this thread as they try :okay:

Excellent CE-079 :). They seem to be really in a hurry now, don't they?

Good to see ANC catching up with L&T, and perhaps even surging ahead in future. 5 days/floor is just mindblowing. They are going as fast as Burj Khalifa, Petronas, Taipei 101 etc. So now its a race against time

They were talking about the August deadline when I was there. To quote precisely :- "Bade Saab aane waale hai August mein, unko dono tower GIFT wrap karke dene hai" :)

What Modi wants, Modi gets !! Remember how AMC constructed the 5 km BRTS stretch to Kankaria in a record 2-3 months, just because Modi had 'requested' to open that stretch before the Carnival.

And dude, please share all the info you have about the work on Federa airport. People (including me) are completely in the dark here.

Total area of GIFT is 886 acres out of which 261 acres is GIFT SEZ.
Total estimated cost of whole project is INR 375000 crore.

GIFT is now divided into four parts

GIFTCL
GIFTSEZ
GIFTICT
and _____ forgotten :ohno:

A special tower will be dedicated to GIFTSEZ in SEZ area it will also have a special customs department. No one will be allowed inside the SEZ building except its employees. Even GIFTCL employee cant go to GIFTSEZ office without permission.

If you buy from GIFTSEZ and you want to take it out from SEZ then you have to pay customs duty on it. Your laptop or mobile or any other will be barcoded before you enter to the SEZ.

It is the last SEZ of India and first Financial SEZ of India.

Fencing is provided on the boundaries of SEZ so no person can enter without gate pass and only one gate is provided to enter SEZ area.

In phase1 only there will be 9 towers of 122m height each. All the basic infrastructure like DC (District Cooling), storm water canal, drainage, etc. will be ready in phase1 only.

Cost of DC of phase1 is only 92crore.

Each phase will take 4 years to cover.

After completion of all the towers of 122m height AAI will increase the height limit to some extent.

There is also one good news :) and two bad news :ohno:

Good News - New airport for Ahmedabad i.e Fedra is u/c and GIFT City bares 25% of the cost of the project.

Bad News - After 3-4 years Amdavadis have to travel 2hrs (85km) down the way to Fedra just to catch flight for Mumbai :nuts:

This is very very sad news for Ahmedabad ... After completion of GIFT it will badly destroy the economy of our city as major service sector will be shifted to GIFT. Thus decreasing the economic power of Ahmedabad.

Two bridges on Sabarmati i.e Live bridge and Signature bridge are also their in the project but it will be constructed after some time.




After 3-4 years or whenever the airport is ready. we might be travelling in city or just out of city.. as the rapid pace ahmedabad is increasing . i doubt that after 10 years airport will be like 5-10 kms away..

would the electric lines be over head as seen in the pics? or are they just temporary?

^^

There will be total 4+4 lane arterial road and at central there will be landscaping+Metro and below it there will be a huge hollow corridor to pass cables, water, etc.

I doubt whether they can complete phase 1 of metro in the same time as phase 1 of GIFT.

The only drawback of GIFT is its 'middle-of-nowhere' location. For Amdavadis, it is way too far as only one bridge exists in the vicinity of GIFT and it is almost 6-7 kms north of GIFT. So they have to travel some extra 10-15 kms.

I really hoped to see one of the swanky bridges by phase 1.

Here is the current scenario:-

Blue Line is the Airport-GNGR Road (way too long)

Yellow Line is the NH 8 (Only two lane and very crowded, as it connects AMD with MUM and DEL).

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/4127/gift12.png

i don't understand why they are not making roads first.... they have such a wonderful opportunity to make a great city.. and they are making buildings first.. they should have done all the roads..foothpaths and underground sewerage first.. then made the buildings..

i am not sure if they are doing it.. if anybody have pictures then pls post..

would the electric lines be over head as seen in the pics? or are they just temporary?

That are actual real. Will need to be shifted once, phase II starts.

i don't understand why they are not making roads first.... they have such a wonderful opportunity to make a great city.. and they are making buildings first.. they should have done all the roads..foothpaths and underground sewerage first.. then made the buildings..

i am not sure if they are doing it.. if anybody have pictures then pls post..

You know how much dust is their. Moreover, everything else is also under pipeline or U/C. Probably before they give the building final touch they will, surely try to make the site greener and dust free.

Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge. Special thanks to insiders and Ahmedavadis who've presented the most comprehensive updates.

A few initial questions:

What is the expert opinion on energy requirement of building with glass facades in a hot climate region? It seems pretty ill advised and wasteful to build greenhouses and then spend additional energy to pump in cold air just to make them habitable.
If Murphy's law were to be applied,

What will be consequence of power failure for inhabitants of these buildings? Has any city in India boasted of even 90% power up-time let alone 99.999% that is being "promised"?
What will be the consequence of earthquake / storms? The core structure may withstand these events but the facade is surely not designed to hold up to these events! Or is it?
Plus I do agree with earlier opinions that maintenance of these structures will be a nightmare considering prevalent Indian conditions. In India, the most beautiful buildings are reclaimed by dust and air pollution in a matter of months if not weeks. We are even witness the yellowing of the Taj Mahal in our lifetime and on our watch... :(


Would also appreciate any insight into the water requirements projected for this city. How it will be supplied as from the satellite pictures and my general understanding of that particular region is that it is very hot and dry throughout the year except for seasonal monsoons. Is a reservoir being provisioned to have adequate capacity to support such massive density?

Really amazed to hear that the Fedara Airport is u/c!? Did you manage to get any more info about that?

Again, great info here! Aug15 is about 20weeks away, whether they can meet that deadline remains to be seen, but hopefully we will see some great progressive updates on this thread as they try :okay:

Thank you

Sachivalaya (Modi's office) has informed that he wants 1st and 30th floor ready by 15th August. In QC1 they have started installing ducts for DCS.
Work is on 24 * 7 and I think so it will be also a record because ground breaking ceremony for QC1 was held in last August. So a tallest building of Gujarat will be ready in just 1 year.


And dude, please share all the info you have about the work on Federa airport. People (including me) are completely in the dark here.

The spokesperson from GIFT has said to us -

Existing airport is problem for Diamond Tower & Gateway towers and other 2-3 towers of same height only. So how much important this towers are for GIFT that they don't want to compromise. :cheers:

GIFT will bare 25% costs of the new airport as due to GIFT only airport is changing.

Work on the new airport has already been started. :)

:cheers:

awesome dude, you rock! :cheers:

Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge. Special thanks to insiders and Ahmedavadis who've presented the most comprehensive updates.

A few initial questions:

What is the expert opinion on energy requirement of building with glass facades in a hot climate region? It seems pretty ill advised and wasteful to build greenhouses and then spend additional energy to pump in cold air just to make them habitable.
If Murphy's law were to be applied,

What will be consequence of power failure for inhabitants of these buildings? Has any city in India boasted of even 90% power up-time let alone 99.999% that is being "promised"?
What will be the consequence of earthquake / storms? The core structure may withstand these events but the facade is surely not designed to hold up to these events! Or is it?
Plus I do agree with earlier opinions that maintenance of these structures will be a nightmare considering prevalent Indian conditions. In India, the most beautiful buildings are reclaimed by dust and air pollution in a matter of months if not weeks. We are even witness the yellowing of the Taj Mahal in our lifetime and on our watch... :(


Would also appreciate any insight into the water requirements projected for this city. How it will be supplied as from the satellite pictures and my general understanding of that particular region is that it is very hot and dry throughout the year except for seasonal monsoons. Is a reservoir being provisioned to have adequate capacity to support such massive density?


Power demand for GIFT on the website is estimated at 740MW, but I remember reading somewhere else that they expect it to be 1000MW. Dont know if you are meant to be from India, but Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat all have 100% dedicated power supply from Torrent Power, Gujarat currently sells power to other states, there is practicallly no chance of Power being a problem for GIFT. Although personally, I would love to see GIFT project incorporate solar energy, the location is ideal.

Across the Sabarmati from where GIFT is, Govt of Gujarat set up the Institute of Seisomological Research in 2004 (a couple of years after Kutch earthquake). Testing and studies has been done on the sites of all big projects in Gujarat, inc GIFT. There is no reason to believe that buildings in GIFT will not respond to an earthquake the same way that modern buildings in Japan would.

And of course dust will need to be cleaned. But GIFT will not suffer from the kind of smog seen in Mumbai or other cities.

As posted before and on their website, water will come from Narmada Canal as well as wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting. A reservoir will hold 15days worth of water supply.

Thank you

Sachivalaya (Modi's office) has informed that he wants 1st and 30th floor ready by 15th August. In QC1 they have started installing ducts for DCS.
Work is on 24 * 7 and I think so it will be also a record because ground breaking ceremony for QC1 was held in last August. So a tallest building of Gujarat will be ready in just 1 year.

The spokesperson from GIFT has said to us -

Existing airport is problem for Diamond Tower & Gateway towers and other 2-3 towers of same height only. So how much important this towers are for GIFT that they don't want to compromise. :cheers:

GIFT will bare 25% costs of the new airport as due to GIFT only airport is changing.

Work on the new airport has already been started. :)

:cheers:

Fantastic, this pretty much confirms that Diamond Tower, Gateway Towers etc are not only still part of the project, but are also still going to be built to previously proposed heights.

Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar has power availability of 99.85% throughout the year. That means only 10 hours of power cuts in 8760 hours. And that too due to technical reasons, not due to shortage.

Going by their respective speeds, both L&T and ANC should complete the towers by August.

L&T - Going at 7 days/floor | 17 floors to go | Time required : 117 days (by last week of July)

ANC - Going at 5 days/floor | 26 floors to go | Time required : 130 days (by August 1st week)

:cheers:

This is awesome. Great updates and info,

Going by their respective speeds, both L&T and ANC should complete the towers by August.

L&T - Going at 7 days/floor | 17 floors to go | Time required : 117 days (by last week of July)

ANC - Going at 5 days/floor | 26 floors to go | Time required : 130 days (by August 1st week)

:cheers:

Still Glass installation remains pending.

But they could start installation of glass panels at lower floors during the construction of the upper floors. Happens in all glass coated high-rises.

And they have to ready only the 1st and the 30th floor. So no time would be lost in finishing of the other floors. I think if they stick to their current speed they'll have a really happy independence day. :)

Are QC1 and QC2 different in design?

QC2 is having a concrete projection running on both sides and on the top, while QC1 has only glass paneled edges.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2784/33291945.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/430/40263531.jpg

Strange! I thought they were twin towers.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1338/50828942.jpg

And if this plan is as per scale then Samruddhi Marg is around 250 feet wide, which translates into a 25 lane road !!!

They are some amazing looking buildings! So glad to see the Gujarat govt is taking GIFT seriously. Good show! :banana:

And if this plan is as per scale then Samruddhi Marg is around 250 feet wide, which translates into a 25 lane road !!!

I doubt if that will ever happen. Just seems a little too much. The road width may not be per scale.

Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge. Special thanks to insiders and Ahmedavadis who've presented the most comprehensive updates.

A few initial questions:

What is the expert opinion on energy requirement of building with glass facades in a hot climate region? It seems pretty ill advised and wasteful to build greenhouses and then spend additional energy to pump in cold air just to make them habitable.
If Murphy's law were to be applied,

What will be consequence of power failure for inhabitants of these buildings? Has any city in India boasted of even 90% power up-time let alone 99.999% that is being "promised"?
What will be the consequence of earthquake / storms? The core structure may withstand these events but the facade is surely not designed to hold up to these events! Or is it?
Plus I do agree with earlier opinions that maintenance of these structures will be a nightmare considering prevalent Indian conditions. In India, the most beautiful buildings are reclaimed by dust and air pollution in a matter of months if not weeks. We are even witness the yellowing of the Taj Mahal in our lifetime and on our watch... :(


Would also appreciate any insight into the water requirements projected for this city. How it will be supplied as from the satellite pictures and my general understanding of that particular region is that it is very hot and dry throughout the year except for seasonal monsoons. Is a reservoir being provisioned to have adequate capacity to support such massive density?


All the building in GIFT are green buildings. You should update your knowledge of green building because green building not only considers building material from recycled items but much more than it.

In GIFT all the buildings are covered with glass facades and that too of a special type such that it can only pass light through it and not heat. A special glass which uses heat to generate energy has already been developed. Its efficiency is 76% and it is under research work for technical & economical reasons. So don't worry it will not increase load on DCS but instead it will help it.

All the building that are planned have already been designed for all the possible calamities like earthquake, storms, etc.

In case of worst come worst earthquake also it can stand building for 5 minutes. In such case 5min. is larger than life.


One request to all of you please don't question such FALTU questions because this are the basic thing that planners consider. They know much more than us so they are there for planning and we are watching them. So don't arise such FALTU questions like provison of power and water to the city, consideration of earthquake & wind loads, provision for concreting roads like US, etc.

Never Under estimate India.

Today just due to India and China world economy is balanced because if you know or not in 2008 & 2011 recession both the countries had help a lot to the world and majorly to Europe & IMF. That time no USA was there.

India with world's largest democracy is the only country in the world who has rise to this level from the scratch in just 60 years despite of huge corruption in all the fields, largest democracy & worst neighbors.
USA received independence from Great Britain in 1776 and become a potential superpower with USSR in 1950 or late.

So any foreigner or any Indian wants to comment on India than first know India and what India is doing for you than open your mouth. If possible also looks toward the positive side of INDIA instead of seeing it from political parties eye.

But they could start installation of glass panels at lower floors during the construction of the upper floors. Happens in all glass coated high-rises.

And they have to ready only the 1st and the 30th floor. So no time would be lost in finishing of the other floors. I think if they stick to their current speed they'll have a really happy independence day. :)

Rusabh they already have fixed some glass panels but they are just for testing purpose. :)

In GIFT all the buildings are covered with glass facades and that too of a special type such that it can only pass light through it and not heat. A special glass which uses heat to generate energy has already been developed. Its efficiency is 76% and it is under research work for technical & economical reasons. So don't worry it will not increase load on DCS but instead it will help it.

Hope, you can see some glass panels in QC1 in below picture. I don't know how to highlight it. There are also some glass panels fitted in QC2 also.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542916_341648042550173_100001149392003_942949_228669812_n.jpg

:cheers:

@civilengineer079 :chill:

Wow dude, simmer down. To quote your words "(India has made progress despite) huge corruption in all the fields" Given that you accept this, I find your faith in all the promises a little divergent.

If computer simulations, PDF plans and websites were all the validations we needed the world wouldn't be talking about Fukushima and nuclear safety.

The structures you cite in Japan and other developed countries go through independent 3rd party verification by competent authorities (not your typical babu variety that you encounter in Gandhinagar or New Delhi) And even then there have been spectacular failures!

So yes, call me a skeptic but unless a reputable and independent body is performing validation checks it's a little hard for me to digest all the claims and trust thousands of lives to something vague as a "building will stand for 5 minutes" claim. Ironically, the earthquake in Japan was 6 minutes duration (and a magnitude 9)

But what if the structure still stands but the glass facade comes loose? Or perhaps this is now an impossibility that civil engineers and architects have conquered in the last couple of years? It will be a cruel joke if one manages to escape these towers in such an emergency only to get showered by shards of falling glass. (BTW. state of the art is not glass but thermoplastic facades)

To give an analogy, when you design a vehicle, you don't worry about if the vehicle will survive a high speed collison. You worry about what provisions are in place to ensure the occupants of the vehicle will be safe in such an eventuality.

There was a claim that these are all green buildings. In that case is the construction LEED certified? If not, why aren't the developers doing this considering this is a de-facto standard for "green" buidings that is recognized internationally.

BTW. please don't mistake my persistence to get some answers from people like you who are in the know and linked with the project as some type of arrogance or bias vs. Gujarat or any political party etc. I'm just another detail oriented engineer (though not civil, ofcourse.) Like some wise person has observed, there are no "FALTU" questions, only "FALTU" answers. ;-) And in a functioning democracy, it is the citizens prerogative to ask such questions and not simply be cheerleaders for whatever is being served by the government and media mouthpieces.

I sincerely appreciate the knowledge that you and everyone on this forum has shared so far.

Although personally, I would love to see GIFT project incorporate solar energy, the location is ideal.

Yes, renewable power would've been ideal and revolutionary (entire city powered with renewable would've been a world first as well, i guess?) But my guess is current power is coal based. So replacing 1000MW of coal power with solar or wind would be cost prohibitive?

There is no reason to believe that buildings in GIFT will not respond to an earthquake the same way that modern buildings in Japan would.
I'll see if any of these studies are publicly available but if you know then please do share. But I will respectfully disagree here. Judging by the devastation in the previous Gujarat earthquake, I have every reason to believe that Indian building codes are NOT on par with Japanese standards. Then there is a whole other topic of enforcement...


As posted before and on their website, water will come from Narmada Canal as well as wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting. A reservoir will hold 15days worth of water supply.
Recycling water is always good and a much needed practice for a country like India. BTW. is this surplus water from Narmada? If not, they'd probably have to reduce supply elsewhere to make up for the additional source of demand, no?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/India_earthquake_zone_map_en.svg/680px-India_earthquake_zone_map_en.svg.png

Kawpow, I really need to stress that Ahmedabad is not in a heavy seismic zone. Look at the map, it was made after 2001. It falls in zone 3 which is a moderate zone. I mean, Delhi NCR falls in zone 4, yet there are all these highrises coming up in Gurgaon.

All the damage that occurred in Ahmedabad during the 2001 earthquake was purely due to the faulty designs and inadequate safety precautions. Of the 50 structures that collapsed, only 3-4 were highrises (G+10). And that too because they had their foundations in back-filled soil where previously there had been water bodies.

Just think, Ahmedabad has over 25,000 highrises and 99.9% of them survived a 7.7 earthquake, and that too when those buildings dont have the safest of designs then why would the GIFT buildings, which are constructed with far more superior technologies and safety precautions, fail?

It is common in India, is'nt it? We dont really learn until something big happens.

Yes, renewable power would've been ideal and revolutionary (entire city powered with renewable would've been a world first as well, i guess?) But my guess is current power is coal based. So replacing 1000MW of coal power with solar or wind would be cost prohibitive?

I'll see if any of these studies are publicly available but if you know then please do share. But I will respectfully disagree here. Judging by the devastation in the previous Gujarat earthquake, I have every reason to believe that Indian building codes are NOT on par with Japanese standards. Then there is a whole other topic of enforcement...

Recycling water is always good and a much needed practice for a country like India. BTW. is this surplus water from Narmada? If not, they'd probably have to reduce supply elsewhere to make up for the additional source of demand, no?

Current power for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar from Torrent is Gas based, rather than Coal. But yeah, to set up 1000MW worth of Solar just for GIFT would not be viable. What I was suggesting is simply small scale rooftop solar installations.

Regarding water, Narmada project is massive, 100s of kms of canal network are still being built all over the state, whatever water will be reserved for GIFT will literally be a drop in the ocean. No detriment to other areas.

And with all due respect, noone was suggesting that the buildings pre-2001 were meant to be earthquake-proof. But in any case, you are entitled to your skepticism. Only way anything can be proved for sure is for there to actually be an earthquake. Even if all buildings survived unscathed, no loss of life etc, a clever skeptic would always come along and suggest that they need proof the buildings could survive a second, larger earthquake.

On this forum, such things are known as "Theta-isms".

@civilengineer079 :chill:

Wow dude, simmer down. To quote your words "(India has made progress despite) huge corruption in all the fields" Given that you accept this, I find your faith in all the promises a little divergent.

If computer simulations, PDF plans and websites were all the validations we needed the world wouldn't be talking about Fukushima and nuclear safety.

The structures you cite in Japan and other developed countries go through independent 3rd party verification by competent authorities (not your typical babu variety that you encounter in Gandhinagar or New Delhi) And even then there have been spectacular failures!

So yes, call me a skeptic but unless a reputable and independent body is performing validation checks it's a little hard for me to digest all the claims and trust thousands of lives to something vague as a "building will stand for 5 minutes" claim. Ironically, the earthquake in Japan was 6 minutes duration (and a magnitude 9)

But what if the structure still stands but the glass facade comes loose? Or perhaps this is now an impossibility that civil engineers and architects have conquered in the last couple of years? It will be a cruel joke if one manages to escape these towers in such an emergency only to get showered by shards of falling glass. (BTW. state of the art is not glass but thermoplastic facades)

To give an analogy, when you design a vehicle, you don't worry about if the vehicle will survive a high speed collison. You worry about what provisions are in place to ensure the occupants of the vehicle will be safe in such an eventuality.

There was a claim that these are all green buildings. In that case is the construction LEED certified? If not, why aren't the developers doing this considering this is a de-facto standard for "green" buidings that is recognized internationally.

BTW. please don't mistake my persistence to get some answers from people like you who are in the know and linked with the project as some type of arrogance or bias vs. Gujarat or any political party etc. I'm just another detail oriented engineer (though not civil, ofcourse.) Like some wise person has observed, there are no "FALTU" questions, only "FALTU" answers. ;-) And in a functioning democracy, it is the citizens prerogative to ask such questions and not simply be cheerleaders for whatever is being served by the government and media mouthpieces.

I sincerely appreciate the knowledge that you and everyone on this forum has shared so far.

Another dumbo bullshitting as usual, yeah yeah, that's why they had fukushima, by the way, how many nuclear accidents we had?? atleast do some research before commenting and why would the Japanese allow a third party to check their nuclear plants?? Why would any sane country do that!!!

Another dumbo bullshitting as usual, yeah yeah, that's why they had fukushima, by the way, how many nuclear accidents we had?? atleast do some research before commenting and why would the Japanese allow a third party to check their nuclear plants?? Why would any sane country do that!!!

It is either by a third party or usually some government organization. There are certain regulations laid down by the government which the plant has to meet. In order to verify that these regulations have been met, there usually is a safety commission to coordinate the regulations for the nuclear plants. Anyways back to topic.

BTW interesting point which I wasn't aware of. Does the building have to be LEED certified to be considered "green"?

On this forum, such things are known as "Theta-isms".

:lol:

Good one!

@civilengineer079 :chill:

Wow dude, simmer down. To quote your words "(India has made progress despite) huge corruption in all the fields" Given that you accept this, I find your faith in all the promises a little divergent.

If computer simulations, PDF plans and websites were all the validations we needed the world wouldn't be talking about Fukushima and nuclear safety.

The structures you cite in Japan and other developed countries go through independent 3rd party verification by competent authorities (not your typical babu variety that you encounter in Gandhinagar or New Delhi) And even then there have been spectacular failures!

So yes, call me a skeptic but unless a reputable and independent body is performing validation checks it's a little hard for me to digest all the claims and trust thousands of lives to something vague as a "building will stand for 5 minutes" claim. Ironically, the earthquake in Japan was 6 minutes duration (and a magnitude 9)

But what if the structure still stands but the glass facade comes loose? Or perhaps this is now an impossibility that civil engineers and architects have conquered in the last couple of years? It will be a cruel joke if one manages to escape these towers in such an emergency only to get showered by shards of falling glass. (BTW. state of the art is not glass but thermoplastic facades)

To give an analogy, when you design a vehicle, you don't worry about if the vehicle will survive a high speed collison. You worry about what provisions are in place to ensure the occupants of the vehicle will be safe in such an eventuality.

There was a claim that these are all green buildings. In that case is the construction LEED certified? If not, why aren't the developers doing this considering this is a de-facto standard for "green" buidings that is recognized internationally.

BTW. please don't mistake my persistence to get some answers from people like you who are in the know and linked with the project as some type of arrogance or bias vs. Gujarat or any political party etc. I'm just another detail oriented engineer (though not civil, ofcourse.) Like some wise person has observed, there are no "FALTU" questions, only "FALTU" answers. ;-) And in a functioning democracy, it is the citizens prerogative to ask such questions and not simply be cheerleaders for whatever is being served by the government and media mouthpieces.

I sincerely appreciate the knowledge that you and everyone on this forum has shared so far.


The persons who are sitting there and planning are much intelligent than you. They are there because they are experts in that field. In GIFT all the engineers are from reputed colleges of India and mostly from IIT's & NIT's.
Companies involved in developing GIFT are also reputed in the world some includes L&T, IL&FS, ANC, British Telecom, etc. All the things are cross checked by reputed institutions also. So whatever you are speaking is just FALTU. They don't have to clarify each and every step to you and in case you have any doubt about certificates issued to GIFT you can contact the office or site directly. First go there learn from them and then judge the project. Any builder planning for a simple structure also considers durability & strength of a structure. While GIFT is specially made for to catch International market to India and all the buildings planned are of minimum 122m so obviously all your doubts are already been solved while planning only. If you are engineer then you should know that in any structure if height is >= 4 times its base than wind loads have to be calculated. GIFT structures are built according to Zone 5 (Zone 5 covers the areas with the highest risks zone) though it falls in Zone 3.
http://www.isr.gujarat.gov.in/images/Gujarat_seismic_zones.jpg

All the above information are not home-made when I had visited a site I had talk to all the engineers that are present and they have informed me about the above data. And other members who are posting in this forum had also visited a site and no one is speaking without a proof. So now if you have any confusion then no one can help you.

What I was suggesting is simply small scale rooftop solar installations.
Yes, that would be good. Even having green roofs would be a welcome addition. That is happening in lots of high rises around here in New York. Several are incorporating terrace gardens which are being provided for public use.

Only way anything can be proved for sure is for there to actually be an earthquake.
Can't disagree with the obvious. And indeed one has to be fair and acknowledge that our science and engineering knowledge is not 100% complete in this area and we are still at the mercy of Mother Nature. But that doesn't mean it should be an all or nothing approach or as they say back home "Ram bharose" :-) Independent Quality checks at each step of the process as pioneered by the Japanese (TQM) can be a reasonable and highly effective mechanism to minimize overall risk to any engineering system.

BTW. here's the link to the official Indian standard (1893) on Earthquake resistant design which was most recently revised in 2002 (incorporating the learnings from the Kutch quake):
http://bis.org.in/other/quake.htm

The good news is that the standard seems to be pretty robust and the respective body is keeping it up-to-date. Infact, there is language to the effect to suggest that newer standards are forthcoming: "Formulation of revised codes for other parts of IS 1893 are in advance stages."

The bad news is that many portions of the standard are simply "guidance / recommendations" and not mandatory and the following caveat is at the very bottom of the document: "These standards endeavour to provide a guideline in designing and repairing of buildings under seismic forces."

So the key to *ensuring* earthquake safety lies in having a mechanism that will enforce, implement and verify these design code provisions in actual construction. Otherwise, this will be yet another toothless Indian law that is adopted/discarded per the convenience of the moment.

If CivilEngineer, Rushabh or anyone else with access can confirm who the seismic specialist/structural consultant on this project is, it would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

^^
+1

All the building in GIFT are green buildings. You should update your knowledge of green building because green building not only considers building material from recycled items but much more than it.

In GIFT all the buildings are covered with glass facades and that too of a special type such that it can only pass light through it and not heat. A special glass which uses heat to generate energy has already been developed. Its efficiency is 76% and it is under research work for technical & economical reasons. So don't worry it will not increase load on DCS but instead it will help it.

All the building that are planned have already been designed for all the possible calamities like earthquake, storms, etc.

In case of worst come worst earthquake also it can stand building for 5 minutes. In such case 5min. is larger than life.


One request to all of you please don't question such FALTU questions because this are the basic thing that planners consider. They know much more than us so they are there for planning and we are watching them. So don't arise such FALTU questions like provison of power and water to the city, consideration of earthquake & wind loads, provision for concreting roads like US, etc.

Never Under estimate India.

Today just due to India and China world economy is balanced because if you know or not in 2008 & 2011 recession both the countries had help a lot to the world and majorly to Europe & IMF. That time no USA was there.

India with world's largest democracy is the only country in the world who has rise to this level from the scratch in just 60 years despite of huge corruption in all the fields, largest democracy & worst neighbors.
USA received independence from Great Britain in 1776 and become a potential superpower with USSR in 1950 or late.

So any foreigner or any Indian wants to comment on India than first know India and what India is doing for you than open your mouth. If possible also looks toward the positive side of INDIA instead of seeing it from political parties eye.

BTW interesting point which I wasn't aware of. Does the building have to be LEED certified to be considered "green"?

LEED is the apex benchmark that is recognized internationally and since GIFT is aiming for the apex and trying to compete with the best in the world I think it should be a no-brainer to incorporate this certification. It would certainly help with attracting high profile international clients.

That said, there may be equivalent Indian standards that could also be considered "green"

Spectral (link) (http://www.spectralservices.net/landmarks-projects.aspx) is the company that has done the green designing for GIFT. It is an Indian company, but for those who are skeptical of Indians, they are advised by an "internationally recognized expert on green buildings" (link) (http://www.spectralservices.net/about_advisors.html) who is a "LEED accredited professional". A few buildings they have worked on so far have received LEED (Platinum) awards in the past few years.

Seismological studies for GIFT were carried out by Institute of Seismological Research, (link) (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article1699747.ece), which is the only institute of its kind in India. You can have a look at their website here (http://isr.gujarat.gov.in/index.shtm), although I think that you will probably be better off emailing them directly with your persistant queries regarding the standards they use etc.

Its def interesting that we never see any earthquake hysteria for projects in other parts, even if they fall in higher seismic activity zone than where GIFT is, hopefully someone can find out from the on-site engineers about earthquake resistant features.

Although if I can add some of my own skepticism, it would look quite contrived indeed if suddenly we get a two-way dialogue between kawpaw and omega man, two new members, both posting in identical style, only seemingly interested in criticising this project and nothing else.

Spectral (link) (http://www.spectralservices.net/landmarks-projects.aspx) is the company that has done the green designing for GIFT. It is an Indian company, but for those who are skeptical of Indians, they are advised by an "internationally recognized expert on green buildings" (link) (http://www.spectralservices.net/about_advisors.html) who is a "LEED accredited professional". A few buildings they have worked on so far have received LEED (Platinum) awards in the past few years.
There is scope for individual buildings/blocks getting LEED certification. It makes sense to use green technologies and best practices throughout the project but restrict a formal certification to commercial buildings only and realise some cost savings in the process.

Seismological studies for GIFT were carried out by Institute of Seismological Research, (link) (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article1699747.ece), which is the only institute of its kind in India. You can have a look at their website here (http://isr.gujarat.gov.in/index.shtm), although I think that you will probably be better off emailing them directly with your persistant queries regarding the standards they use etc.
I think there is confusion between a site study (which is what you are pointing out) vs. What I was seeking is information on the implementation time checks and quality controls which an independent specialist/consultant provides to ensure all necessary standards and controls are being met. I doubt the ISR has the man power or skill set for the latter but feel free to correct.


Its def interesting that we never see any earthquake hysteria for projects in other parts, even if they fall in higher seismic activity zone than where GIFT is, hopefully someone can find out from the on-site engineers about earthquake resistant features.
Perhaps this may have something to do with it:
"GIFT is conceptualized as a global financial and IT services hub, a first of its kind in India, designed to be at or above par with globally benchmarked financial centers such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Lujiazui, Shanghai, La Defense, Paris, London Dockyards etc."

I dunno why everyone is getting so defensive. :dunno: It will be a proud moment for all Indians when this project materializes per the promises being made and we should all be interested in ensuring it's being executed per the highest standards!

Trust but verify...

I guess, L&T must be now building 14/15th floor.

I think there is confusion between a site study (which is what you are pointing out) vs. What I was seeking is information on the implementation time checks and quality controls which an independent specialist/consultant provides to ensure all necessary standards and controls are being met. I doubt the ISR has the man power or skill set for the latter but feel free to correct.

No, there is no confusion, as I said, hopefully one of our trusted members such as Rushabh or CivilEngineer can give you the information you were asking for. I was just giving additional background information as you seem to be the kind of person who wants to question every little detail. If one question gets answered, you will come back with 2 more. Nothing wrong with that in itself.

But please dont try to play the fool, you are fully aware of what else you are saying in your posts, the attacks you are making that will make ppl take a defensive footing. Just because you post a little disclaimer that you are "not against Gujarat or any political party" does not mean the rest of your many snipes and digs will be ignored.

But please dont try to play the fool, you are fully aware of what else you are saying in your posts, the attacks you are making that will make ppl take a defensive footing. Just because you post a little disclaimer that you are "not against Gujarat or any political party" does not mean the rest of your many snipes and digs will be ignored.

I have been silent follower of this interesting thread for quite sometime. Having extensively perused through the information shared in these columns & also available in public domain on the net. GIFT is no doubt, one of the finest planned URBAN Development project ever, conceptualised in India.The intricate details of design have been incorporated in the design document & every possible innovation that can be considered has been incorporated in the project. Planners have tried to incoporate best practices in Urban planning Environment management & Disaster preparedness.Having said so, I wish to add that there is nothing like perfect solution to every perceived problem. The important thing is whether best available state of the art technology is being employed & best possible practices in project execution being implemented to achieve the desired objectives of building a futuristic city? Yes on this score, the report so far is very heartening.
A healthy discussion is very educative as many facets of the project gets highlighted which otherwise are not known to many of us. My sincere request is we need to keep clear of bickerings & consequent heartburns which gets expressed in this columns leading to avoidable bad blood between members.

Many questions may get raised in these columns out of pure ignorance & needs to be replied in a cool manner. For eg, it is impossible for most Indians to accept the Idea that a Metropolitan city like Ahmedabad can boasts of even 90% availablity of Power leave alone 99.9%.But the fact remains that Ahmedabad does boast of 99.85% of Power availablity year after year, as rightly pointed out in these columns.The so called IT cities of Hyderabad, Bangalore & Chennai or Gurgaon/Delhi are no where close to fixing this problem & hence no one believes such a thing as close to 100% power exists or even possible in India.Same is the case with water supply to some extent.
While occurance of Earthquake & it's intensity cannot be predicted even in a known Earthquake prone zone, GIFT has tried to incorporate the highest possible standards in design the construction.
I am sure, the GIFT designers have put in their best to build a world class creation albeit with complete support from visionary CM Narendra Modi of Gujarat. Some of the best practices in construction are already being implemented & I have no doubt that all involved have their soul in the project just like some of the members of these column.
Let us not get entangled in confrontation & remain focussed on monitoring the progress of the project.Positive criticism may be welcome & also analysed constructively, while negative criticism be avoided. I am sure that those involved in the project may surely be perusing this thread & they are bound to be influenced positively by healthy discussion (Omega Man).
Some of our members have been doing a great service in highlighting & educating us on the progress of project. Let us realise that even if the project comes to fruition over next decade or so as visualised, we shall be witness to history in making of one of the finest Urban development project of Independent India.My appeal to all to continue the good work without deviating from our objectives of sharing knowledge about GIFT

Well said.

And yes when I tell my cousin in Chennai that AMD has almost no power cuts, he just laughs at me.

I guess, L&T must be now building 14/15th floor.

Well if you judge the progress by the core (where all the elevators are located), then it will always be 2 storeys above the floors. So the core must be at the 16th floor while the slab level must be at the 14th floor.

It's amazing how in a couple of months there has been a complete turnaround regarding the time frame of the project. Before a year nobody even knew whether the project was going on or not, and now we can almost pinpoint the number of floors that each tower would have completed :cheers:

I worked for L&T in Mumbai for 2 years in their Control and Automation Business Unit and people in maharashtra especially in Pune and Nashik were complaining about the frequent power cuts and could not believe that in Gujarat, Power cuts are a rarity. No wonder why Maharashtra farmers commit suicides. They dont have power, irrigation and good roads to sell their produce.

Gujarat is atleast 10 years ahead of the rest of India when you compare the power situation.

Projects like GIFT are surely going to catapult India in general and Gujarat in particular to the like of western developed world, if successful.

Probably there shall be more financial activity coming near GIFT once the project is completed and GIFT shall be like Shanghai is for China today.

Well said.

And yes when I tell my cousin in Chennai that AMD has almost no power cuts, he just laughs at me.

Never felt power cut in Ahmedabad. For even technical reasons, they have to put forward notice in the dailies.

Never felt power cut in Ahmedabad. For even technical reasons, they have to put forward notice in the dailies.

:omg:
Well! Even I find that very, very hard to believe. (I'm not doubting you, I'm just dazed out of my shoes)

Probably we may see GIFT City II, if space is filled up.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/positive-response-to-gift-city-sows-seeds-for-gift-ii_10027559.html (Old News)

Government do own, 500 Acres on another side of Sabarmati River. Thats like two high rise cities opposite to each other.

:omg:
Well! Even I find that very, very hard to believe. (I'm not doubting you, I'm just dazed out of my shoes)

You will get notice in dailies with your society name probably. See below example (if you know gujarati)

http://www.torrentpower.com/pdfs/tpaec_31_3to1_4_12.pdf

Moreover, if electricity goes for an hour, it will surely be top headlines on front page. For e.g. check this news http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_power-outages-strike-ahmedabad-areas_1375261

So, in Ahmedabad power cut means big news for newspapers. Here, no one install Generators and UPS, as before they come to use there life would have expired.

But please dont try to play the fool, you are fully aware of what else you are saying in your posts, the attacks you are making that will make ppl take a defensive footing. Just because you post a little disclaimer that you are "not against Gujarat or any political party" does not mean the rest of your many snipes and digs will be ignored.

Trust me it wasn't intentional and please accept my blanket apology for any such instance. My goal is to try to get some basic info. and the details weren't available on the web site and prior thread discussions that I perused. But thanks to you and others quite a few things have been clarified.

Not to stray from the topic but since you mentioned it, FYI, if anyone wants to review an unbiased report card on how a particular state or the country overall is performing one independent source is the CAG (auditor general of India) It's best to stay clear of media reports (their main aim is grabbing headlines than educating/informing the public) and definitely do not blindly believe anything a politician says. :)

^^Don't worry, I've been following this thread and I did not see any of your post being discriminative or biased. I understood you were just looking for answers. I would be skeptical about the quality too because we are just starting to build cities from scratch. So I don't expect them to become masters already. But so far from the updates, I am very satisfied.

There are people here who don't understand this is a public forum and they assume everybody here are knowledgeable about how certain things work. That is what a forum is for, not just to update, but to share ideas and answer questions so knowledge spreads.

Here, no one install Generators and UPS, as before they come to use there life would have expired.

Forget generators, we dont even have a battery torch or candles lying about in a top drawer. :lol:

Not to stray from the topic but since you mentioned it, FYI, if anyone wants to review an unbiased report card on how a particular state or the country overall is performing one independent source is the CAG (auditor general of India) It's best to stay clear of media reports (their main aim is grabbing headlines than educating/informing the public) and definitely do not blindly believe anything a politician says. :)

Do you actually have access to the full CAG reports? They arent on their website. I hope you arent relying on what you have read in the media... especially considering this is an election year in Gujarat. Most articles I have seen feature interviews, analysis and commentary from Gujarat Congress. Hardly unbiased and/or independant.

I dont think anyone here has any problem with answering reasonable questions, (whoever asks them), but my advice would be to switch your current "question-insult-question" formula, to just asking questions.

If it had escaped your notice, the Govt of Gujarat are 50% stakeholders in GIFT, so naturally, much of the information that ppl get about GIFT will be from state govt sources, not because people are "blindly following politicians", or to spread political propaganda, but because the the Modi Govt is actually heavily involved in the project itself.

Whether ppl like it or not, GIFT cant just be dissociated from the Gujarat Govt.

Trust me it wasn't intentional and please accept my blanket apology for any such instance. My goal is to try to get some basic info. and the details weren't available on the web site and prior thread discussions that I perused. But thanks to you and others quite a few things have been clarified.

Not to stray from the topic but since you mentioned it, FYI, if anyone wants to review an unbiased report card on how a particular state or the country overall is performing one independent source is the CAG (auditor general of India) It's best to stay clear of media reports (their main aim is grabbing headlines than educating/informing the public) and definitely do not blindly believe anything a politician says. :)

There is a way of asking questions, it is usually asked with a question mark and usually starts with how,why,what etc... not "Oh, the gujrat govt is so idiotic that it is planning a completely new study without even doing the basic study" kind of thing, your bias can be easily seen, so next time, please do ask questions in a way that it really looks like a question, we are not interested in solving riddles... and please just like GJ10 said, get rid of insulting someone mindlessly... :)

There is a way of asking questions, it is usually asked with a question mark and usually starts with how,why,what etc... not "Oh, the gujrat govt is so idiotic that it is planning a completely new study without even doing the basic study" kind of thing, your bias can be easily seen, so next time, please do ask questions in a way that it really looks like a question, we are not interested in solving riddles... and please just like GJ10 said, get rid of insulting someone mindlessly... :)

Peace !!!!
And all non Gujaratis, I would like you all to go to Gujarat and see. You will never get a correct picture of Gujarat by watching NDTV and IBN7.:bash:

Or by reading the Hindu and Times of India. If there is one state that the english media is totally biased against, it's Gujarat. Even the local English dailies like TOI. Recently they have started reporting about how the Sabarmati is still so dirty, but they never reported how much clean it has become from its earlier version. :(

I feel jealous:evil: to hear it :) :).... Worry factor is whether we can actually see Guj CM as PM of India or not in 2014.... Lot of detractors for it:ohno:.

Never felt power cut in Ahmedabad. For even technical reasons, they have to put forward notice in the dailies.

SVPIA Airport is getting a brand new, Rs 40 crore, 45 meters tall Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/04/03&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML)

I am surprised that they decided to go for a new tower and not upgrade the present one which is 22 meters tall. But I guess even they know that Federa is going to take at least 3-4 years (if they are lucky) to become operational.

And the present one is not tall enough to clearly see the other end of the 3.6 km long runway.

I feel jealous:evil: to hear it :) :).... Worry factor is whether we can actually see Guj CM as PM of India or not in 2014.... Lot of detractors for it:ohno:.

Dont know about Modi but NDA has a very good chance to get back in power in 2014. Each scam that is surfacing is like a nail in Congress's coffin.

Modi's own allies wont let him rise...:ohno:

Very much true...

On a separate note, have anyone ever thought... how would Gujarat be without Modi... I mean, if Modi becomes PM in 2014... then who would be Modi's successor and would he be able to take Gujarat to yet another height from where Modi will leave :)

Point worth a thought :)

Dont know about Modi but NDA has a very good chance to get back in power in 2014. Each scam that is surfacing is like a nail in Congress's coffin.

Modi's own allies wont let him rise...:ohno:

Not to derail the thread, but I am pretty sure, by now Modi must have identified someone ethical in his party that is all about "Just doing it" and not looking backwards if his intentions are to become a PM in the future. I would say wait until 2019 by which Gujarat will be a better developed state than any other and with GIFT city underway, it would give better reasons for people to start opting for Modi rather than some puppet.

I am sure people around the nation would love Modi as a PM right away, but I just don't feel its the right time. He still needs to be in Gujarat to finish up what's he picked up and that is creating a revolution of development and improvement. Gujarat needs to be a role model for other states and once it does that, it will shut up a lot of its critics and naysayers. By 2019, he would have had a lot under his sleeves to prove anyone wrong: Media and opposition. Also looking at what Modi has done in Gujarat (nothing like making empty promises of converting some city into Shanghai), people would know what a state should look like and what they should be expecting from their chief ministrial candidate. Right now, the political mindset of people is just one party and not any particular candidate. I am hoping that looking at Gujarat's development in the future, it would change this mindset and they will be going after a particular candidate and not the party that their ancestors have been rooting for throughout the lifetime.

Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and Modi have been for me some of the best leaders in my lifetime. Unfortunately, Naidu didn't go a long way.

Although if I can add some of my own skepticism, it would look quite contrived indeed if suddenly we get a two-way dialogue between kawpaw and omega man, two new members, both posting in identical style, only seemingly interested in criticising this project and nothing else.

CHILL GJ10 :bash: we are on a public forum and are entitled to our views so no need to play the moderator here. Dont take offense to any post that you may assume is critical by your vague sense of imagination.

I have approx 16 posts so far, none of them critical, and was trying to build some interest for some sophisticated, yet simple technology that may be used in GIFT City. I have been following this thread all along, but due to time constraints, am unable to post any info as the GIFT project is now in overdrive. The heat is adding to our misery.

Like I said before, I am unable reveal my exact involvement in this project but let me repeat again that I am trying my best to change the skyline of GIFT City.

I wanted to break the news of the extent of my involvement in this project to GJ10 fist, but it no longer matters. This is not a justification to your rants but plain simple truth regardless of whatever you imagine or believe. CHILL :cheers:

Hi All, I will be back soon with loads of info :) have to go back to my 24x7 work. I am loving it :laugh:

Very much true...

On a separate note, have anyone ever thought... how would Gujarat be without Modi... I mean, if Modi becomes PM in 2014... then who would be Modi's successor and would he be able to take Gujarat to yet another height from where Modi will leave :)

Point worth a thought :)

VN Kotak, I feel there are leaders like Saurabh Patel or Jaynarayan Vyas who are quite good. If given a chance, who knows maybe they can surprise us. These are two leaders who I feel have the potential in the current Gujarat cabinet. What do you feel?

Or by reading the Hindu and Times of India. If there is one state that the english media is totally biased against, it's Gujarat. Even the local English dailies like TOI. Recently they have started reporting about how the Sabarmati is still so dirty, but they never reported how much clean it has become from its earlier version. :(

Media itself is a slve of congrass which in turn is the slave of foreigners (UK,US) it's their very agenda that these so-called nationalist pretend to fulfill. See what US uk used to say a decade ago, and now see, most of them were approved !! The only person that makes these decisions is our own maino mata and sadly she is not even Indian.... but our dumb people like to believe that she is a saint... well, she maybe, but why does she run away with her tail in her lungi when asked about her religion,nationality, or how much she has in assets...

VN Kotak, I feel there are leaders like Saurabh Patel or Jaynarayan Vyas who are quite good. If given a chance, who knows maybe they can surprise us. These are two leaders who I feel have the potential in the current Gujarat cabinet. What do you feel?

Jaynarayan Vyas is an IIT alumni if am correct.

Jaynarayan Vyas is an IIT alumni if am correct.

Better than uneducated congrassi dumbasses :lol:

Like I said before, I am unable reveal my exact involvement in this project but let me repeat again that I am trying my best to change the skyline of GIFT City.

Hi All, I will be back soon with loads of info :) have to go back to my 24x7 work. I am loving it :laugh:

Bud, what do you mean by "changing the skyline", please tell me there are no alterations in the riverfront buildings and you are only talking about the buildings in the back that got scaled down from their originally sexy looks.

Although if I can add some of my own skepticism, it would look quite contrived indeed if suddenly we get a two-way dialogue between kawpaw and omega man, two new members, both posting in identical style, only seemingly interested in criticising this project and nothing else.

I dont think it is coincident but KAWPAW's writing style is same as Anti-Modi guy on r2iclub.com Narendra Modi thread (very popular thread on the board) My suggestion, ignore him, these type of people can only find faults and offer no real solution. Trust but verify.. go visit R2Iclub thread and you will figure it out in no time!! ;)

good luck KAWPAW :)

Bud, what do you mean by "changing the skyline", please tell me there are no alterations in the riverfront buildings and you are only talking about the buildings in the back that got scaled down from their originally sexy looks.

Hi dunefreezer :)

I will reveal all, hopefully very soon, thank you for your patience in advance. Kindly bear with me until then. (If I am still on this thread/forum, that is.) :lol:

IMHO, Freedom of expression is good on a public forum, but not to the extent that one gets personal with fellow forum members & petty local politics is involved. There are a couple of members, getting into petty politics & taking personal digs at fellow forum members. Its not happening. Better to stay away from such threads & forums, than waste ones time trying to reason with them. Like the saying goes: Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their idiotic level and beat you with their experience in idiotism. :ohno:

Cheers to Gujarat INTERNATIONAL (not local) Finance Tec City :)

2019 is a good time for Modi, since by that time all his mega-projects would be completed or in near completion stage. but he will be 67-68 years old by then, though still quite young comparatively.

Hi dunefreezer :)

I will reveal all, hopefully very soon, thank you for your patience in advance. Kindly bear with me until then. (If I am still on this thread/forum, that is.) :lol:

IMHO, Freedom of expression is good on a public forum, but not to the extent that one gets personal with fellow forum members & petty local politics is involved. There are a couple of members, getting into petty politics & taking personal digs at fellow forum members. Its not happening. Better to stay away from such threads & forums, than waste ones time trying to reason with them. Like the saying goes: Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their idiotic level and beat you with their experience in idiotism. :ohno:

Cheers to Gujarat INTERNATIONAL (not local) Finance Tec City :)

I think you havent visited the a'bad airport thread!

-deleted-

In GIFT all the buildings are covered with glass facades and that too of a special type such that it can only pass light through it and not heat. A special glass which uses heat to generate energy has already been developed. Its efficiency is 76% and it is under research work for technical & economical reasons. So don't worry it will not increase load on DCS but instead it will help it.

Hi CivilEngineer079 :)

Would you please quote the source of your information as I am completely unaware of it?

The Glass Panel Mock-up, which is already installed on both towers are standard types by a local company (cannot name it) from Navi Mumbai with offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad & Chennai. They got a confirmed order for Tower Q-C1 while Tower Q-C2 is still under review.
Cheers :)

If GIFT is a SEZ zone and if only authorised people can gain entry, then in future are they going to search each and every person coming to the city? Wont that take too much of time? They will have to set up toll-booth like structures on every access road to the city. That is just going to be a nightmare for daily commuters.

They would probably go with high tech ID cards to commuters who work or live there.

2019 is a good time for Modi, since by that time all his mega-projects would be completed or in near completion stage. but he will be 67-68 years old by then, though still quite young comparatively.

Yes. I would agree with that. 2019 should be the best time for Mr. Modi.

Hope Mr. Modi survives this year election. Otherwise this project will have high risk. There may be anti incumbency factor in this election.

I dont think he will lose this one even if he wants to :). His popularity is at an all time high. He was recently on the front cover of TIME magazine. And there is nobody in Congress who has the guts to take him on.

SOME good news for GIFT.

Process is under way to acquire 114.61 hectare nearby private land for expansion of GIFT. This mean confidence of GIFT management is too high of success of project.

Guys, I've moved the political discussion to the Gujarat Discussions thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=1349165). Please use this thread for news/updates related to the GIFT project only. Thanks.

Do you actually have access to the full CAG reports? They arent on their website.

http://www.cag.gov.in/
Our Products -> Audit Reports -> Government Wise

I dont think anyone here has any problem with answering reasonable questions, (whoever asks them), but my advice would be to switch your current "question-insult-question" formula, to just asking questions.
Like I mentioned before, my sole interest is in getting some details about the project implementation and counting on insiders like OmegaMan and CivilEngineer to provide the juicy facts (and some gossip perhaps, but mostly facts please :-P) If you felt insulted kindly provide some specifics and I'd be glad to clear out any misunderstanding.

Some earlier comments that have raised additional questions:
- There was a comment to the effect that although the GIFT site is in Zone 3, the buildings are being built per Zone 5 specifications. If this is correct then we can expect some cutting edge technology (like viscous dampers) being deployed.
- Is there any consideration being given to LEED certification since the consultants have prior experience and qualifications in this area?
- What other buildings are being planned / built for Phase 1, have the specs been released?

BTW. regarding the earlier comments about window cleaning, I came across this (http://rapnkleen.com/) Indian outfit! Seems like a great business idea. For the tallest buildings, they may even get the workers for free since there may be quite a few adventurous souls (or perhaps voyeurs? :lol:) who'd line up for the opportunity!

If it had escaped your notice, the Govt of Gujarat are 50% stakeholders in GIFT,
I know this and I think it's a good thing especially since the government's interest would be aligned to ensure success of the project. The downside is there is greater chance of corruption because public funds allocated towards GIFT can be easily "stolen" through rigged bids and other fraud by private interests. Do RTI rules apply to GIFT or is it treated as a private enterprise and only accountable to it's shareholders/investors?

http://www.cag.gov.in/
Our Products -> Audit Reports -> Government Wise


Gujarat results cannot be accessed this way. As suspected you have not read the full reports. I posted links to them in the Gujarat Discussions thread yesterday if you want to read them. But as IU says, lets keep this thread for GIFT

CivilEngineer had a site-visit as part of his postgrad course, he does not work on GIFT. Omega Man (at best) seems to be pitching a window-cleaning technology/solution to GIFT, neither are "insiders" on the project.

Realistically, I dont think there is anyone on this forum who can answer the kind of technical questions you are asking.

If there is to be any corruption involved with GIFT, it will def come out (CWG, Adarsh, Lanco Hills etc) All we can say at this stage is that Gujarat Govt does not have a track record of corruption, but of course "potential for corruption exists". Only way to avoid any "potential for corruption" is by Govt not investing/spending anything, so its really a criticism that can be applied to any project anywhere, anytime without opposition.

The power related discussions have been moved to the Gujarat discussion thread. From now if you guys notice your posts missing from this thread, then refer to that thread. I won't always announce it. Cheers.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4858/gift10032012.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5821/gift210032012.jpg

^^

Are they not going to be relocated?

guys, please post a brief english translation so that everyone can be in the loop.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5821/gift210032012.jpg

Sandesh newspaper has been a congress mouthpiece since times immemorial.

it says, farmers shall lose lands for a road that is to be constructed for gift

Where is the source for these images/articles?

In short, it says that some farmers led by a certain "Babuji Thakore" are going to protest against land acquisition by not turning up to a meeting that is scheduled for 12 April. Babuji Thakore is also the name of the Congress Candidate who recently won the Mansa byelection, also in Gandhinagar district. I dont know if it is the same man, but Thakores are certainly a traditional Congress votebank.

It says that 200 Acres is to be acquired "to build roads", and that in total 500acres only have been acquired for GIFT so far. Farmers are apparently demanding Rs 4000 per sqmt, while according to this "report", Govt is only prepared to offer Rs 65 per sqmt.

All of this would seem to be BS bearing in mind what we already know about the size of the project site and already functioning road connections to NH8.

This article is from Gujarat Samachar on last page of Ahmedabad edition on April 9th or 10th.

There are some inaccuracies in article. Land to be acquired is 114.61 hectare. This land is in addition to what GIFT already has around 800 Acre. Purpose of land is not for building roads but it is expansion of GIFT.

Acquisition notice for road came in Gujarat Samachar on 20th August, 2011 and that's completely different acquisition, not part of currently planned 114.61 hectare.

Check acquisition notice by GIFT for read here
http://esafal.com/publicnotice.aspx?image_url=./2011-08/20/G-A/005.GIF&MOJE_ID=5213&MOJE_NAME=Shahpur-Gandhinagar-Gandhinagar

Newly proposed expansion plan

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9456/giftproposedacq.jpg

^^
up2009, are there any renders of the buildings that will come up on the northern strip of the land (the one which was added later on)?

80 meters seem a bit too much for a road. All right, they are planning for the future, but 80 meters are like 20 lanes!! Even US or China dont have that.

And all this acquisition stuff smells like congress to me. I mean, what paper publishes that for a project of around 600 acres, 200 acres of land has been acquired just for roads :lol:. Sandesh, I tell you, is one funny paper.:)

I guess they want to make the city more future proof than other countries. ;)

OMG 80m road !!! :eek2: