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What's Brewing At The Rs 80k Cr Sabarmati Riverfront Project?
After the completion of the 4.5-km work in the second phase, the third and fourth phases will include the Narmada Canal and Gift City, inviting private investors
Mar, 23, 2025 · 2 min read
The 11.5-km Ahmedabad Riverfront project on both banks of the Sabarmati River is nearing completion, and planning has started to extend this project into four phases. The second phase, covering 5.5 km, is expected to be completed by 2026. The total investment expected in these four phases could amount to Rs 80,000 crore from private investors.
Currently, the first phase of the riverfront, from Vasna to Wadhaj and Shaheebag Drain, is operational. The second phase includes a 5.2-km stretch from Indira Bridge, while the third phase covers a 4.0-km stretch from the Narmada Canal. The fourth phase will extend for 5.8 km, reaching from PDPU to Gift City.
The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) was established as a special purpose vehicle for the construction and management of the riverfront. A senior official from the corporation mentioned that the construction is governed by three key policies, including the Vigil Mechanism Policy/Whistle Blower Policy, which was established in September 2023.
The Land Disposal Policy was implemented in 2024, followed by the Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace in SRFDCL.
A senior official from the state's Urban Development Department stated that when the riverfront extends to Gandhinagar, its total length will be 38.2 km, with the stretch from Indira Bridge to Gift City spanning 14 km. In the third phase, Dubai-based Shobha Developers will invest Rs 1,000 crore in the project. The government is making efforts to attract more private investments into the riverfront expansion.
As the riverfront expands towards Gandhinagar, the riverbanks will not be concrete but will use the natural topography to create four ghats. The second phase will include residential, commercial, green parks, and a road network. A barrage-cum-bridge is being constructed to maintain the river's water level. In Gandhinagar alone, the first phase of the riverfront will be built over a 9.3-km stretch with an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore.
State Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, during the budget presentation, mentioned that Gift City will receive a 4.5-km long riverfront, which will feature recreational zones, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, Metro connectivity, and a central park. The state government has allocated Rs 100 crore for this in the 2025-26 budget. The estimated cost for the area between PDPU and Gift City is Rs 650 crore.
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