The Blue Revolution: Ahmedabad’s ₹853Cr Riverfront Makeover

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has presented its Draft Budget for 2026–27, proposing significant investments to enhance city beautification, public spaces, and tourism infrastructure, with a strong focus on the Sabarmati Riverfront.

The civic body has earmarked around Rs 853 crore for the development of new cultural facilities, upgraded riverfront promenades, gardens, food courts, and tourism-oriented projects along both banks of the river. AMC has also allocated Rs 1 crore for a feasibility study on a proposed Water Metro, aimed at exploring water-based transport options along the Sabarmati.

An Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre near Tagore Hall Plaza on the western bank has been allotted Rs 258 crore. Additionally, large-scale development along a 10-km stretch of the riverfront—including roads, upper promenades, and supporting infrastructure from Sadar Bazaar to Indira Bridge on the eastern bank and from the Railway Bridge to Indira Bridge on the western bank—has been budgeted at Rs 176 crore.

Other major allocations include Rs 100 crore for riverside eateries and food courts, Rs 100 crore for the Riverfront Phase-III extension up to the Narmada Canal, and Rs 100 crore for the construction of an active middle promenade.

Commenting on the proposals, the AMC Commissioner said, “These initiatives aim to transform the Sabarmati Riverfront into a world-class public and cultural space.”

News by Rahul Yelligetti.