First edition of Ahmedabad International Book Festival to host 340 stalls and over 100 literary sessions; Sanskar Kendra Museum in Paldi set for ₹34.11 crore renovation; city records highest rental yield in India at 3.9%, and more. Stay updated with the latest news of the city in this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

The first edition of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival will be inaugurated on the 30th November at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre. The nine-day festival, running until the 8th December, will feature 340 stalls by 147 exhibitors from 13 Indian states. 

International participation includes authors and speakers from countries like Spain, Sri Lanka, Poland, Denmark, Scotland, Singapore, and the UAE, along with renowned Gujarati authors. Spread across 325,000 sq ft, the festival will also host more than 100 literary sessions.

The minimum temperature in Ahmedabad on Thursday was recorded at 16.5°C, which is 1.4°C above normal for this time of year. The maximum temperature reached 32.5°C, 1.2°C higher than the seasonal average. 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to witness a further rise on Friday, with the minimum likely to touch 18°C, while the maximum may hover around 32°C.

The Sanskar Kendra Museum in Paldi, established in 1960, is set for a comprehensive renovation after more than six decades. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has issued a tender worth ₹34.11 crore for the project. The renovation will include structural repairs, interior and exterior upgrades, landscaping, and road development.

The revamped museum will feature a new open sculpture display area and workshops for artefact restoration, aiming to preserve and enhance the city’s cultural heritage.

Ahmedabad has recorded the highest rental yield in India at 3.9%, according to the JAS 2024 report. This is attributed to robust demand and relatively lower property prices compared to other major cities.

The rental market saw a 7.9% increase in rates during the last quarter, with average rents for a 2BHK apartment reaching ₹21,100 in Shela and ₹23,200 in South Bopal. Prime localities like Satellite and Prahlad Nagar continue to attract investors, making Ahmedabad a lucrative destination for rental income.

The ongoing night combing operations by Ahmedabad Police have led to a significant increase in fine collections at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In response to the growing backlog, the RTO deployed 45 employees, including clerks and inspectors, compared to the usual three staff members. On Wednesday alone, the RTO collected ₹15 lakh in fines, bringing the five-day total to ₹33 lakh.