New cargo terminal at SVPI Airport likely to begin operations by mid-2025, city experiences warmer-than-usual temp, new HMPV case confirmed in Ahmedabad, and more. Catch up with the latest news of the city in this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

City's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is gearing up to launch its semi-automated cargo terminal, with phase one covering 21,000 sq m already completed. The facility is expected to become operational by May, pending regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

Once fully functional, the terminal will have the capacity to handle up to 2 lakh tonnes of cargo monthly. Located near the India Meteorological Department office on the airport campus, it will cater to both domestic and international cargo, including express couriers and pharmaceutical shipments.

Ahmedabad is witnessing unusually warm weather this January, with temperatures significantly above seasonal averages. On Tuesday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 16.2°C, 3.7°C higher than normal, while the maximum temperature reached 31.2°C, exceeding the average by 3.2°C.

This morning, the minimum temperature dipped slightly to 15.4°C but remained above expected levels. The trend aligns with broader observations across Gujarat, where temperatures have been unusually high for this time of year.

A 69-year-old woman from Vijapur in Mehsana district has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after being admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad with breathing difficulties.

This latest case takes Gujarat’s HMPV tally to seven, which includes patients as young as two months and as old as 80 years. With the virus affecting a diverse age group, health authorities are keeping a close watch to manage its spread effectively.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has allocated Rs 44.95 crore to procure a 104-metre snorkel hydraulic lift. This advanced equipment, a first for Ahmedabad, is expected to significantly improve the fire department’s ability to carry out rescues during emergencies.

The city has 23 high-rise buildings exceeding 100 metres in height, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use structures. With the addition of this hydraulic lift, the fire department will be better equipped to tackle challenges unique to high-rise emergencies.