This is another one of Prime Mister Mr. Narendra Modi’s dream project and has transformed a dirty/filthy river front into a very pleasant place for the people of the city as well as visitors to enjoy the river front. All the drainage into the river is stopped and throwing garbage is banned.
The Narmada Canal, which crosses Sabarmati a few kilometres upstream from the city, is part of a larger canal network of Sardar Sarovar Dam. The canal can feed excess water to the river and maintain the level of water in the river. The developed river front extends to about 2 kms on both the river banks between Ellis bridge and Subhash bridge with entrance in the middle. There is a nominal entrance fee of Rs 10 (and Rs 5 for senior citizens).
On both the banks the land is recovered by narrowing the river width. Further from the river in both sides are new wide roads connecting to the airport and bypassing the crowded old city. There are parks for people to spend their evenings and enjoy plants/river front. Clean toilet facility and snack counter are present in the park. After the park, there is a tall wall to prevent the river from overflowing into the city. About 50 steps down from the park wall is a wide promenade on both banks touching the water. Promenaded is provided with benches, parapet, pedestrian walking and cycle track. The whole place is magical.
Only negative point is that the lighting in the park is less than desirable.
Next time in Ahmedabad, make it a point to visit the river front park.
