SG Highway or Bopal: Where Should You Invest In Ahmedabad?
Several micro markets of Ahmedabad are expected to witness a boost in real estate business owing to the coming of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro link. The project that is expected to be operational by 2020. Among the many micro markets, Bopal in the west of Ahmedabad and the popular suburb of SG Highway will be some of the localities that will become more attractive in the future. Situated at a distance of 15 kilometres, the two localities are popular among real estate investors. While Bopal is an urban-industrial neighbourhood with affordability as a key feature, SG Highway is a sought-after residential hub with large working population. Prices here have witnessed an uptrend over the last six months. But, many homebuyers and investors find themselves at crossroads while making the right investment choice between the two destinations.
PropGuide shares a comparative analysis of these two micro-markets that will help you make an informed investment decision:
Infrastructure and new developments
Sound physical and social infrastructure make both SG Highway and Bopal promising localities offering a contemporary lifestyle for their residents.
SG Highway boasts a strategic location as the suburb links two prominent cities of Gujarat, that is, Ahmedabad to state capital Gandhinagar which has led to the growth of commercial as well as residential properties here. The locality boasts quality social infrastructural facilities, educational institutions, including Sola Bhagvat Vidhyapith and Nirma University, reputed healthcare centres, clubs, restaurants, bank branches, etc.
The locality is witnessing a road-widening project worth Rs 750 crore planned for the 44-km six-lane highway involving the construction of flyovers at Pakvan Crossroads, Vaishnodevi Temple, Sargasan, Sanand and Infocity besides upgrading of four-lane Sola railway flyover to six-lane.
On the other hand, the infrastructure in Bopal has also witnessed tremendous improvement in the recent years. Cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, multiplexes, etc. are available among a host of contemporary social amenities in the area. There are Community Health Center (CHC) , City Gold multiplex theatre, GEB Electrical supply office and the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) Colony that define the locality's landmark developments. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has focused on the enhancement of infrastructure in Bopal with the construction of new flyovers as well as drainage lines and rainwater pipes to facilitate traffic movements and address drainage issues. The AUDA is also funding for improving Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) public transport link from Ahmedabad to Bopal junction.
Property options
Known for its green stretch, Bopal has emerged as an affordable residential zone and has ample options of budget-friendly apartments starting at Rs 28 lakh. However, south Bopal which is a coveted pocket of the main locality caters to all budget ranges with active residential development owing to superior connectivity to hubs like Dholera, Prahlad Nagar and Bodakdev.
Proximity to corporate offices and colleges has attracted a huge number of young aspirants and professionals to this locality that has also given a boost to the rental market here. High rental incomes are assured with availability of 2BHK apartments for Rs 10,000 per month.
Bopal offers a mix of gated-communities, bungalows and independent houses. There are nearly 110 projects in Bopal, out of which 81 are ready to move in, 25 are under construction and two are launching soon.
SG Highway, on the other hand, is a well-developed commercial hub which has led to the development of residential properties given the coming of working professionals looking for living options, especially rental. Apartments of 1BHK layouts can be rented for an average of Rs 6,000 per month which is much affordable compared to Bopal, particularly in pockets such as Near Nirma University, Vaishnodevi Circle and Thaltej. A desired destination among the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) , SG Highway promises a better rate of returns for residential properties. There are around 329 projects on the SG Highway, out of which 261 are ready to move in, 61 are under construction and five are launching soon.
Prices
Residential properties in Bopal have an average capital value of Rs 3,200 per square foot (sqft) . The price of 2BHK apartments range between Rs 28 lakh and Rs 32 lakh for unit sizes varying between 1,100 sq ft and 1,200 sq ft. The 3BHK apartments are available in a price range of Rs 40 lakh to Rs 60 lakh for unit sizes ranging between 1,400 sqft and 1,700 sq ft.
Residential properties on the SG Highway have an average capital value of Rs 3,600 per sq ft. The price of 2BHK apartments ranges between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 60 lakh for unit sizes varying between 1,000 sqft and 1,300 sqft. The price of 3BHK apartments ranges between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 80 lakh for unit sizes varying between 1,300 sqft and 2,000 sqft.