For the first time in India, let alone in Gujarat, affluent residents of Ahmedabad will soon have the opportunity to own boats or yachts and secure parking spaces on the Sabarmati River, emulating the offerings of foreign river side destinations. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd., overseen by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, is taking strides to introduce boating and yacht parks along the Sabarmati River, mirroring facilities found in countries like the United States and Canada. To facilitate this, the corporation has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite private boat and yacht owners to rent designated parking areas.
The corporation clarifies that the private boat or yacht facility is strictly for personal use and not intended for passenger ferrying. Boat owners can pay a fee for parking their vessels and enjoy boating with their guests, family members, or friends. Dedicated jetties will be constructed to accommodate the parking needs of private boat owners. The EOI released by the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. specifies the rent amounts individuals can propose.
Presently, boating facilities are available on the western bank of the Sabarmati River near Vallabh Sadan, where citizens can engage in boating by paying a fee. Additionally, kayaking arrangements have been made near Sardar Bridge, allowing people to enjoy this recreational activity. A floating restaurant service is soon to be introduced between Gandhi Bridge and Sardar Bridge on the Sabarmati River. Furthermore, plans are underway to launch boating services on the eastern bank of the river in the near future.
The approval of Sabarmati Riverfront Phase-2 by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation paved the way for various developments. To enhance connectivity, a high-level bridge connecting Sadar Bazaar to the power house in Ahmedabad is being constructed, reducing the travel distance for residents of western Ahmedabad to the airport. Rainwater harvesting initiatives will be implemented to ensure adequate water supply within the city.
During the meeting of the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Board, the Phase-2 project received approval with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 850 crore. The project encompasses the design of a connectivity plan for the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, with an allocated budget of Rs. 800 crore, specifically focused on the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave. Additionally, a 5.8 km road running parallel to the Sabarmati River will be developed, providing direct access from behind the Motera Stadium. The design for Sabarmati Riverfront Phase-2 has been approved, expanding the riverfront up to Indira Bridge and extending development along 5.8 kilometers in the east and 5.2 kilometers in the west. This expansion will bring the total length of the Sabarmati Riverfront to 34 kilometers.
In Phase-1 of the Sabarmati Riverfront, an 11.5 km road has been developed along the eastern and western banks of the river, reaching up to Subhash Bridge and passing through the Subhash Bridge Temple. In Phase-2, the construction of Sabarmati Riverfront Road will extend from Subhash Bridge to Indira Bridge, reducing travel time to the Motera Stadium. During events, such as cricket matches, this road will help alleviate traffic on the Sabarmati Power House route leading to the stadium. The ambitious project aims to enhance connectivity and transform the Sabarmati Riverfront into a prominent landmark within Ahmedabad.
We can only remain hopeful that such foresightedness and enthusiasm will also be shown by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation regarding car parking facilities and that AMC may take such avid interest in improving and organising car parks which may just be a more pressing concern than yatch parking in current circumstances.
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