GIFT City’s Infrastructure – A Blueprint for Sustainable Development

World-class GIFT City infrastructure is a result of visionary planning, sustainability initiatives, and smart city solutions. India’s premier financial hub has set the benchmark for sustainable urban development and enhancing liveability, business growth, & environmental responsibility.

With its visionary infrastructure and innovative planning, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is setting new benchmarks in sustainable development. Strategically located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, this Central Business District (CBD) is poised to become India’s first global financial and IT hub.

Developed along the scenic Sabarmati River, GIFT City reflects strategic planning rooted in smart and sustainable development principles. Its infrastructure seamlessly integrates green building practices, energy and water optimisation, and advanced traffic management systems. By focusing on connectivity, quality of life, and thriving business ecosystem, GIFT City infrastructure serves as a blueprint for sustainable urban transformation.

Vision of GIFT City’s Development

“The vision is to create a world-class finance and IT zone for India to provide services not only to India but to the entire world.” This powerful statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi encapsulates the mission driving GIFT City’s development. Positioned as India’s first global financial and IT hub, this smart city is designed to compete with international financial centres – transforming the country into a provider of world-class services.

Objectives of GIFT City’s Development

Apart from green infrastructure in GIFT City, the well-defined objectives described below are instrumental in realising the vision of this futuristic city. Smart City planning in GIFT City ensures that every element is aligned to deliver modern services & facilities, without compromising environmental balance.

1. Establish a World-class Hub: Build globally competitive financial and IT services
2. Promote Sustainability: Achieve advanced GIFT City sustainability initiatives, through eco-conscious and resource-efficient practices
3. Enhanced Planning: Implement Smart City planning in GIFT City to enable seamless urban management through advanced technologies
4. Green Buildings: Develop eco-friendly structures aligned with GIFT City sustainability initiatives
5. Business-friendly Environment: Offer policies and infrastructure to simplify and encourage business operations
6. Enhance Liveability: Provide modern facilities and superior quality of life to residents and businesses
7. Leverage Location: Utilise GIFT City’s strategic location between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, to boost accessibility and connectivity
8. Catalyse Growth: Drive regional and national economic growth by fostering innovation and creating jobs

Sustainable Urban Planning in GIFT City

Visionary urban planning has enabled the city to be designed as a high-quality, mixed-use business district that integrates residential, commercial, and open spaces. Apart from maximising land and real estate values, this has also aided GIFT City sustainability initiatives.

Envisaged as a fintech business district and global financial services hub, GIFT City is equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity and infrastructure. Its master plan reflects an advanced approach to urban development, seamlessly blending business-oriented growth with environmental sensitivity.

Source: GIFT City Brochure

GIFT City sustainability initiatives prioritise resource-efficient operations, eco-friendly practices, and reduced pollution. Green infrastructure in GIFT City, such as buildings and public spaces, are designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing liveability.

As a centre for international and national businesses, GIFT City Smart City includes green office spaces, retail outlets, hotels, community centres, and housing facilities for employees – setting a benchmark for sustainable and innovative urban development in India.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure Supporting Sustainability

Designed for efficiency and environmental responsibility, the state-of-the-art GIFT City infrastructure has set a new standard in sustainable urban development. Through smart city planning, green architecture, and advanced utility systems, the city exemplifies a forward-thinking model for sustainable urbanisation.

1. Green Architecture

   Green infrastructure in GIFT City incorporates sustainable practices like rooftop gardens, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient designs. It integrates climate-responsive design, non-conventional energy sources, and advanced green building parameters to reduce energy use and waste – further enhancing urban sustainability.

2. District Cooling System

   GIFT City Smart City includes India’s first district cooling system, reducing outdoor AC units, heat island effects, and operating costs. This green infrastructure in GIFT City offers a low-carbon, sustainable cooling solution that also enhances urban aesthetics and economic efficiency.

3. Nation’s First Utility Tunnel

   A unique feature in GIFT City infrastructure is the utility tunnel, enabling a ‘digging-free city’. It houses essential utilities like power and water, ensuring uninterrupted services across the city. This innovation supports green infrastructure in GIFT City by facilitating sustainable, low-impact maintenance.

4. Power Infrastructure

   Dual 66/33KV receiving stations and centralised backup system offer reliable power distribution, minimising outages. GIFT Power Company ensures consistent availability of power, aligning with Smart City planning in GIFT City by supporting uninterrupted business and residential activities.

5. Advanced Transport System

   Smart City planning in GIFT City ensures congestion-free roads with separate zones for vehicular and pedestrian movements. The infrastructure includes provisions for public transit, supporting efficient and sustainable urban mobility within & beyond the city.

6. GIFT City Command and Control Centre

   Real-time incident tracking and a robust notification system ensure high uptime of public utilities, while 24/7 CCTV surveillance with analytics enhances security. This proactive utility management promotes safety and operational efficiency.

Digital Infrastructure and Technological Integration

GIFT City seamlessly integrates digital infrastructure and advanced technology to create a dynamic, future-ready urban environment. By leveraging IoT, smart solutions, and a robust data centre, the city ensures efficient operations, seamless connectivity, and continuous service availability – establishing itself as a global hub for business and innovation.

1. IoT and Smart Solutions

   GIFT City incorporates IoT and smart solutions for seamless urban management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and real-time monitoring. This approach leverages advanced technology to create a highly responsive and adaptive environment, enhancing operational efficiency for businesses and improving the quality of life for residents.

2. Data and Connectivity

   With robust data infrastructure and connectivity, GIFT City is well-equipped to support the demands of a global business hub. Its advanced data centre offers services like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, ensuring higher uptime. The presence of 15 major telecom operators connects the city to important business centres worldwide, supporting uninterrupted communication and access to global networks.

GIFT City Companies

• Kotak India Commercial Real Estate Fund
• HDFC India Equity Savings Fund
• Morgan Stanley Fund
• Phillip Greater India Engagement Fund
• SBI Investment Opportunities Fund

To see the entire list of companies in GIFT City, visit the official website of GIFT City Gujarat.

Upcoming Companies in GIFT City

Smart City planning in GIFT City has helped it become a premier destination for global finance and technology, attracting top players from around the world. Strategic infrastructure and tax-neutral framework position it as a dynamic hub for innovation, international investment, and advanced financial services.

1. Cognizant’s TechFin Centre

   According to a Business Standard article, Cognizant has announced the launch of a techfin centre at GIFT City in February 2025, enhancing the city’s strategic importance in global finance and technology. This new facility will deliver advanced technology solutions to clients in the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors, enhancing the status of GIFT City as a leading technology hub.

2. Infosys and Wipro’s Fintech Hubs

   Infosys and Wipro are establishing fintech hubs in GIFT City’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under the TechFin framework, as stated in a recent Economic Times article. Both companies aim to provide fintech services tailored to global clients, underscoring the city’s role as a premier location for companies focusing on financial technology.

   Read More: Why GIFT City is the best investment destination in Gujarat?

Economic Sustainability Initiatives in GIFT City

The city’s focus on building a global financial hub and its commitment to public-private collaboration form a robust economic foundation. These initiatives promote sustainable growth, making GIFT City a benchmark for future economic sustainability in urban developments across India and beyond.

1. Business and Financial Hub Development

   GIFT City sustainability initiatives focus on creating a robust business and financial hub that supports long-term growth. India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is attracting global businesses with its tax-neutral framework and advanced infrastructure. This business hub is designed not only for commercial growth, but also to stimulate job creation, regional development, and foreign investment – reinforcing India’s global economic position.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

   These are key to GIFT City infrastructure, aligning government support with private sector efficiency. These partnerships drive essential projects in transport, green energy, and digital infrastructure – ensuring resource optimisation and high-quality services for both businesses and residents. By promoting collaboration, GIFT City’s PPP model enhances economic stability and adaptability to future advancements.

Environmental Sustainability Practices

1. Smart Water Infrastructure

   GIFT City ensures drinking water in every tap through its advanced 24/7 water supply system, supported by automated distribution and metering. This is further enhanced by sewage recycling for near-zero discharge, an approach that maximises water utilisation through innovative reuse. Additionally, the perennial waterfront, Samruddhi Sarovar, stores drinking water for up to 15 days, reinforcing water security and ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water.

   
   Source: Institute for Research and Development in India

2. Renewable Energy Integration

   Highly efficient cooling systems are a part of the green infrastructure in GIFT City; these ensure greater reliability while using less energy. These systems contribute significantly to reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner urban environment. In addition, the 10 MW solar plant that is a part of a pilot project to harness renewable energy, marks an essential step toward sustainable energy use within GIFT City, with plans to expand capacity as development progresses.

3. India’s First Automated Waste Management

   This system reduces noise and emissions, enhancing urban cleanliness. Waste is efficiently collected via chutes, bins, and a pipeline network – creating a cleaner, more attractive city. This smart city planning in GIFT City ensures minimal environmental impact and maximises resource efficiency.

Social Sustainability Aspects of GIFT City

Built on the ‘Walk to Work’ concept, GIFT City fosters a balanced lifestyle where residents have easy access to all essential facilities and social infrastructure within close proximity. With facilities like schools, hospitals, sports centres, cultural venues, and diverse food courts, the city enhances quality of life and ensures that residents experience both comfort & well-being.

As part of smart city planning in GIFT City, smart and modern social infrastructure are integrated – including technologically advanced schools, hospitals, and community spaces like clubs and recreational centres. This approach creates a self-sustained urban ecosystem that not only meets residents’ daily needs, but also promotes a vibrant, community-focused environment.

Challenges and Prospects

Even as it establishes itself as a globally recognised financial hub, GIFT City faces a few challenges. Key issues include:

• Attracting sustained international investments
• Ensuring scalability to meet growing demand
• Maintaining regulatory adaptability in a constantly evolving global financial landscape

Despite these challenges, the prospects are promising. The potential to expand business sectors beyond finance and IT, alongside ambitions to achieve global financial hub status, positions GIFT City as a dynamic centre for economic growth. As India’s pioneering smart city, it also can become a model for sustainable urban development.

Read More: Investment Opportunities in GIFT City – A Guide for Real Estate Investors

Conclusion

India’s first operational greenfield smart city exemplifies a visionary model for sustainable urban development, combining GIFT City infrastructure with smart planning and green practices. With a strong focus on GIFT City sustainability initiatives, India’s premier financial and IT hub has fostered a high-quality urban environment that has attracted global businesses and enhanced residents’ lives.

Initiatives in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and public-private partnerships demonstrate the city’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation. Despite challenges, GIFT City’s strategic design ensures scalability and adaptability – positioning it as a benchmark for future urban centres and a symbol of India’s leadership in sustainable urbanisation.

FAQs

1. What is GIFT City?

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India's first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services centre (IFSC) – offering world-class infrastructure for finance, technology, and allied sectors.

2. Where is GIFT City located?

GIFT City is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, near Sabarmati River, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, and Delhi Mumbai National Highway NH48.

3. What makes GIFT City’s infrastructure unique?

The features that makes GIFT City’s infrastructure unique are integrated urban planning with smart utilities, green buildings, and sustainable practices like energy efficiency and waste management.

4. How does GIFT City promote sustainability?

GIFT City promotes sustainability by integrating renewable energy, water conservation, eco-friendly waste management, and walkable, green neighbourhoods.

5. Is GIFT City environmentally friendly?

Yes, GIFT City is environmentally friendly as it is designed with green spaces, renewable energy, and efficient waste and energy management systems to reduce its carbon footprint.

6. What types of businesses operate in GIFT City?

The types of businesses that operate in GIFT City are financial services, IT, fintech, banking, insurance, and related industries, with SEZs for international business facilitation.

7. How does GIFT City manage its water resources?

GIFT City manages its water resources using rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and efficient water utilities to conserve resources and minimise waste.

8. What role does technology play in GIFT City’s infrastructure?

Technology plays a very important role in GIFT City’s infrastructure, with IoT, digital monitoring, and intelligent traffic systems boosting efficiency and sustainability.

9. Are there any residential facilities in GIFT City?

Yes, there are residential facilities in GIFT City, that offer luxury apartments with well-equipped amenities – such as SOBHA Elysia. To know more, visit https://www.sobha.com/gift-city-gujarat/sobha-elysia-apartments-raysan-gandhinagar

10. What challenges does GIFT City face in achieving its sustainability goals?

The challenges that GIFT City faces in achieving its sustainability goals are infrastructure upkeep, technology integration, population management, and continuous improvement of sustainability practices.

11. How can GIFT City serve as a model for other urban projects?

Gift City can serve as a model for other urban projects by providing a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure, smart technology, and public-private partnerships.