The Gujarat government has proposed changes to building regulations in Ahmedabad that would make two-metre-wide staircases mandatory in all commercial buildings, regardless of their height. The proposal is aimed at improving evacuation capacity and addressing safety requirements in buildings with high footfall.
The Urban Development and Urban Housing Department issued a notification on July 28, 2026, proposing an amendment to the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR). Citizens have been invited to submit objections and suggestions regarding the proposed changes.
Wider Staircases Proposed for Commercial Buildings
Under the existing CGDCR provisions, commercial buildings below 25 metres in height are required to have staircases with a minimum width of 1.5 metres. Buildings exceeding 25 metres are required to provide staircases that are at least 2 metres wide.
The proposed amendment would remove this height-based distinction. A minimum staircase width of 2 metres would apply to all commercial buildings.
The government has cited the nature and occupancy of commercial buildings as a reason for the proposed change. Such buildings include offices, shops, restaurants and other establishments that can experience substantial visitor movement.
A wider staircase can provide greater movement capacity during emergency evacuation. The proposal also follows representations received from officials of municipal corporations in different cities.
Changes Proposed for Bungalow-Type Buildings
The government is also proposing changes to provisions governing bungalow-type residential construction.
According to officials, existing rules may allow some property owners to submit plans for three-storey or five-storey bungalow-type structures and subsequently sell individual floors. To address this issue, the state has proposed a 12-metre height limit for bungalow-type constructions.
Under the proposed amendment, residential structures exceeding 12 metres would be treated as apartments rather than bungalow-type buildings.
Such buildings would then be required to comply with provisions applicable to apartment developments, including requirements relating to margin spaces and fire NOCs.
Focus on Building Safety
The proposed amendments indicate a move towards clearer building classifications and higher evacuation provisions in commercial structures. Making wider staircases mandatory irrespective of building height would establish a uniform requirement for commercial construction.
The proposed 12-metre limit for bungalow-type buildings could also affect the planning and approval of larger residential structures. Developers and property owners would need to consider the applicable requirements if a proposed building exceeds the prescribed height.
The amendments are currently at the stage where public objections and suggestions are being invited. Further action will depend on the government’s consideration of the feedback received.
