Proposed Proposed

Riverfront Proposed Proposed Heritage Riverfront Cultural Sardar Dr. Ambedkar

Park Development Park Plaza Market Center Bridge Bridge

Subhash Dadhichi Riverfront Gandhi Nehru Ellis Flower Event Proposed Urban
Bridge Rushi Bridge Park Bridge Bridge Bridge Park centre Sports Forest
Complex

KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler), one of world's top advisory firms has included Sabarmati
Riverfront Development Project in '100 most Innovative Projects'
Q1. Brief description of the proposal (500 words)

A
hmedabad is located on the banks of Sabarmati River that serves as the city’s
lifeline. It is a major source of water from the city due to regular release of water
from Narmada Canal upstream. The waters of the river were used for sacred and
socio-religious activities since centuries, and its banks were used for activities such as
informal markets, washing, and recreation activities.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project is being implemented in the city as an

urban design, urban renewal, ecological and environmental improvement project. This
project aims to transform Ahmadabad’s historic but neglected river into a vibrant and
vital focus for the city along with widely landscaped parks and gardens, clean ghats,
serene environment, clean water, diversion of sewerage, and improved conditions for
urban poor resident on the riverbed. The development project encompasses both banks
of the Sabarmati for 11.5 kms stretch, creating approximately over 200 hectares of
reclaimed land.

Several areas have particular focus in the project, namely (i) Cleaning of the river to
improve the river ecology and greening of the environment (ii) Rehabilitation and
resettlement of the Urban Poor on the Riverbank including sustaining and (iii) Revitalizing
the traditional informal activities happening on the river bank (iv) Creation of the new
area through best practices in urban design and urban renewal.

The traditional informal activities have been evident in the form of existence of Gujari
Bazars or informal markets, elaborate Washermen Wharf (Dhobi Ghat), religious and
recreation activities. In order to address the needs of the users and focus on the orderly
and efficient transformation of these activities, the present initiatives focus on
transformation of several key pockets of activities through the following projects:

1. Garden
2. Gujari Bazar (Riverfront market),
3. Dhobi Ghat, (Washermen Wharf/Laundry Campus)
4. Event Ground and Exhibition Centre
5. Flower Park
6. Elaborate road network for access to the sites.
7. Creation of new areas with best practices in urban design.
8. Recreational Activities

These initiatives were sequenced in terms of (i) Proper design reflecting the need of users
and retaining the heritage character of the activities (ii) Execution of design and (iii)
systematic operation and management of these areas through user participation and
contribution.

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Gujari Bazar and Dhobi Ghat, Event Ground, Garden, Flower Park, Road network have
already been executed in terms of the physical infrastructure. The urban design for the
project includes many innovative features such as volumetric FSI.

These projects are unique in terms of addressing specific user needs through urban
design, urban renewal and sustenance of key common property resources that benefit
the especially the poor and revitalization of activities which had come under
developmental pressure by assuring them infrastructure, access and formalization.

KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler), one of world's top advisory firms has
included Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project in '100 most Innovative
Projects' in the field of urban regeneration (2012) that make cities livable as well
as sustainable.

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Q2. Context of Implementation (500 words)

T
he Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Ltd. (SRFDCL) is the Special
Purpose Vehicle Company (SPV) wholly owned by Ahmedabad Municipal
Corporation (AMC) created to implement the project. As part of the process for the
Project the following steps were followed

Identification: As an important first step, activities such as heritage flea market based
near the Ellis bridge, Washmen Wharf near Nehru Bridge, and events, exhibitions and
informal activities were identified as key activity nodes. For instance, 1200 vendors and
162 washer men were identified as important stakeholders.

Planning: Surveys were conducted to gain information on the identified sites and
activities in terms of number of users, size of business/purchase, physical layout of their
activities, infrastructure requirements, practices and customary rights. Meetings were
held with Merchant Associations that represented the stakeholders.

Design: Below mentioned designs have been executed by SRFDCL using the experienced
contractors and are operational now.

Parks & Garden (Rs. 21 Crores)

Riverfront Park at Subhash Bridge:
An Urban Park located on the opposite bank of the
Sabarmati Ashram, and from Subhash Bridge to
Rishi Dadhichi Bridge on East bank. The garden is
exclusively developed with the many attractions
like Sun Dial (Surya Ghadi), Promenade/Walk
area, Different shape mounds, Amphitheatre,
Children play area, Step well, 19 Shopping
Plaza, 7 Food court/Eateries.
River Front Park at Usmanpura:
A neighbourhood park along the Usmanpura area
on west bank. This includes upper promenade,
Children play area along with the green cover with
many flowery species.
Riverfront Market (Rs. 24 Crores)
‘Gujari Bazaar’, has been designed as an open air
market with a functional arrangement of platforms
and zones, where vendors can display and sell their
goods. The market has been provided with seating
areas for visitors, public washrooms, multi-
functional plazas, vehicular access and parking
facilities
Area: 63000 Sq. Mt.
Capacity : 1641 Vendors
Parking: Two Wheelers 1942, Car 428
Tree Plantation: 800 Nos.

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Dhobi Ghat (Rs. 8 Crores)
A laundry campus has been created to provide
state-of-the-art facilities for the washing
community that traditionally used the river banks
for laundering. The laundry campus is spread over
approximately 9400 sq.mts area, has vehicular
access, parking and lighting within the site. The
seven blocks on the campus have been provided
with wet areas on the ground level and terraces are
equipped for drying clothes.
Area: 9380 Sq. Mt.
Capacity: 168 Dhobi at a Time
Toilet Block, Admin Office, Electric Sub Station
Road & Underpasses (Rs. 127 Crores)
East Bank:
 Four lane 8.90 km connecting river with East
Ahmedabad through 12 approaches.
 The major connection with the road leading to
the Airport avoiding traffic congestions.
 Connection with the fort wall city and biggest
city bus terminus i.e. Laldarwaja etc.
West Bank:
 This is 7 km length parallel to Ashram road on
West side through 9 approaches.
 This helps to manage traffic of West
Ahmedabad and proposed CBD
Event Ground (Rs. 14 Crores)
The ground provides the infrastructural facilities
for holding events along the river in an organized
manner. It includes stage with back-stage facilities,
VIP Lounge, designated parking, zones for event
halls, lawn area and lighting provision.
• Location: Western Bank, Behind Tagor hall at
up stream of Sardar bridge
• Area: 45,000Sqmt
• Utilities: Lawn Area, Stage, Conference hall,
Area for erection of temporary structures etc.
Event Ground is very popular for marriages,
musical nights, Government programs etc.
Flower Park (Rs. 18 Crores)
This has been envisioned as a permanent flower
garden spread in Approx. 52000 Sq mt where more
than 330 native and exotic flower species.
Throughout the year, the garden serves as a city
level unique park where visitors can enjoy beautiful
flowers of both seasonal and non-seasonal
varieties. It strengthens the green space network
on the western part of the city.
Location: B/h. V.S. Hospital on West Bank
Area: 52,000 Sq. Mtr.
Length: 0.6 Kms

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 Real Time Traffic Advisory
City area being heavily crowded, the traffic from
city area will naturally tend to divert towards
riverfront / Ashram roads.
• At eye sight, driver can decide to take least
traffic lane either from Riverfront Road or
from Ashram Road.
• Part of the panel can also be used for
Public Advisory and Messages.

Recreational Activities
Boating Facility:
❶ At Vallabh Sadan ❷ Usmanpura
❸ River Front Park ❹ Sardar Bridge
Golf Cart:
❶ Nr. Gandhi Bridge ❷ River Front Park
Zip Line:
❶ Near Sardar Bridge, B/h. NID
Segway:
❶ Nr. Gandhi Bridge ❷ River Front Park
Cycling:
❶ Sardar Bridge ❷ Subhash Bridge
❸ Gandhi Bridge

Urban Design
 The SRFDCL Board has taken up creation of world class amenities and precincts in the
riverfront reclaimed area with the approval of the state Government
 About 14% of the Riverfront reclaimed land would be taken up for sale but the
developers will have to follow specific Development Control Regulations (DCR)
designed specially for Riverfront area. Concepts such as Volumetric FSI are being
stipulated as part of this DCR. Buildings would have to follow shapes and volumes
prescribed in basic form that will create a unique urban design in the area.
 A larger institutional area will be designed according to the best practices in urban
design. Theater, Art & Culture Centre for instance is part of this institutional area.

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Q3. Details of solution (250 words)

S
abarmati Riverfront Development Project is executed by the Special Purpose Vehicle
a Company established under the Companies Act 1956 namely Sabarmati Riverfront
Development Corp. Ltd. SRFDCL is an organization in its very nature wholly owned
by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has a financial
stake in the company and has a participation in administration of the company.

SRFDCL was formed in 1997 and like any other company established under company’s
act 1956, SRFDCL has Board of Directors who administer the business of the company.
All officers and executives working in the company have been deputed from Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation.

All the Board of Directors excluding Chairman are appointed by virtue of the post and
subject to change. Board of Directors of SRFDCL is depicted in the table shown as under.

Sr. No By virtue of the post Designation In SRFDCL

1 Chairman – Nominated by State Govt. Chairman / Chairperson
2 Municipal Commissioner Managing Director
3 Deputy Commissioner Executive Director
4 Deputy Commissioner Director
5 Mayor Director
6 Chairman-Standing Committee AMC Director
7 Opposition Leader-AMC Director
8 Collector - Ahmedabad Director
9 Technical Expert Director

Executive Director heads the executive body of the Company which is divided into
following departments:
i) Technical Department for Project construction and other technical /
engineering issues,
ii) Admin and Finance Department for Project related Finance and various day
to day activities including administration, operations etc.,
iii) TDO Department for land, land related issues, estate and general planning of
the Project
iv) Garden Department for maintenance of all gardens and tree plantation within
the Project Area
v) Light Department for providing lighting and maintenance thereof within the
Project Area
vi) R & R Department a wing for Resettlement & Rehabilitation of the of the slums
settled in the riverbed

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Q4. Scope of Implementation (250 words)

A. Environmental Improvement
 Interceptor sewer system ensuring clean water in the river
 Retention of water in the river almost for the whole year
 Having 12.5 million cubic meter storage of the water, recharge of ground water
aquifers of the city.
B. Creating network of public open spaces
 Wide public promenades along the entire length of the river
 Variety of public gardens / urban forestry and parks including extension of existing
parks, exhibition cum event area
C. Providing adequate public access to the river
 Development of one major north-south link on the eastern side and improvement
in existing road networks on west bank.
 Development of various access roads to the riverfront to improve public access
D. Rehabilitation of the slums
10046 hutments on both banks occupied nearly 20% of the critical project area. A
committee was formed under an ex-High Court Judge for finalization of beneficiaries.
A Comprehensive Settlement was arrived at under the supervision of the Gujarat High
Court. 10046 families have been allotted houses of 26.77 sq m carpet area, in the
prime locations of city. The complex has a playing area for kids along with a recreation
facility. To empower women, houses are allocated in the name of the woman member
or under joint names.
E. Gujari Bazaar
Gurjari Bazaar is an age old Sunday Market. The bazaar provides livelihood for lower-
income residents. Earlier, the Bazaar operated near the Ellis Bridge without any
infrastructure and used to spill out on the adjoining roads. It was unhygienic and had
the risk of flooding. Today it is the first well developed informal market in India. Now
it’s spread over 70,000 sq.mt on the river front and 1600 vendors can do their business
on pucca platforms. Parking space is provided for 280 two wheelers, 425 four wheelers
and 8 heavy vehicles. Lights, toilets, food-court, drinking water, and seating area have
been provided. More than 800 trees have been planted
F. Dhobi (Washermen) Ghats
Similarly Washermen (Dhobis) are located into the Dhobi ghat, constructed on the
eastern bank spread over approx. 9400 sq.mt area, which has RCC road, lighting and
parking facility inside a compound wall. It has 7 blocks, each block with 24 units i.e.
168 units each with water supply (with water meter) and drainage system.

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Q5. Innovative Characteristics of the Proposal (500 words)

T
he project has been developed with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,200 crore. In the
master plan it was decided that 14% of the total reclaimed land would be developed
commercially while the balance 86% would be available for public use such as parks,
event centre, open spaces, etc. The land has been divided among 51 plots for SRFDCL to
recover its expenditure through commercial development.

Sr Proposed Land Uses Area(Sq.m.) Area (Ha.) %

1 Roads 403562.36 40.36 19.69
2 Garden 274585.49 27.46 13.40
3 Open Space 376610.71 37.66 18.38
4 Public Purpose 281812.29 28.18 13.75
5 Lower Promenade 273892.72 27.39 13.37
6 Multi Use {For Sale) 297119.07 29.71 14.50
7 Sports Purpose 67380.52 6.74 3.29
8 Public Utilities 8360.37 0.84 0.41
9 Residential Zone-1 (Residual) 7988.55 0.80 0.39
10 Commercial Zone-1(Residual) 55937.53 5.59 2.73
11 General Industrial Zone (Residual) 916.14 0.09 0.04
12 Educational Zone (Residual) 822.32 0.08 0.04
13 Burial Ground (Residual) 108.44 0.01 0.01
Total 2049096.51 204.91 100.00

The project aims to be self-financing – to achieve its goals without relying on any funding
from the government. 50 plots earmarked of the reclaimed land will be sold for
commercial development, to generate sufficient enough resources to pay for developing
the riverfront and managing it.

Company has framed special kind of G.D.C.R and volumetric guide line for all the plots
on which development will be carried out after following necessary course of action.

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SRFDCL is first in India who has introduced very new concept of selling built-up area of
the building.

In the development plan of SRFD project, there are different plots (foot print) of varying
size. As far as size of the plots are concern they are different at different locations
considering today’s as well as future development of area surrounding them.

SALIENT FEATURES OF LAND FOR SALE (LFS)

 10 Minutes travel time from Air Port.
 30 minutes travel time from any corner of the city to LFS by Proposed MRT.
 Volumetric Regulations
 Flexible Development Possible without restriction of FSI
 LFS and CBD are side by side area on SRFD.
 LFS is Environment friendly commercial hub.

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Q6. Results/ Impact of the proposal (250 words)

C
reation of Permanent Infrastructure for 1200 vendors of the informal market, and
162 washer man of the Dhobi Ghat is complete. Almost 95% Road Network is
complete. For instance, as a unique project, the first organized laundry campus is
created in the country in the form of the Dhobi Ghat is now operational. All 162
Washermen who have been given permanent facilities well equipped individual units for
washing clothes.

 Now it is possible to retain surface water in the river all year around
 The ground strata are recharged with storage of 12.5 million cubic meter river
water.
 More than 250 MLD sewage is diverted from the river and pollution is eliminated.
 The river is protected from the scour and stopped the erosion of the river banks
with Diaphragm walls.
 202 ha. land is available by retaining wall on both sides for further development
for the city and flood protection.
 The embankments provided with wide walkways, green space with tree plantation
and many other facilities.
 Rehabilitation of resettlement of 10046 slum dwellers in great pukka houses
 Traditional users of a river like washer men and unorganized vendors are now
provided with organized facilities.
 Easy access to the river water through Ghats, Stairs/ Ramps.
 Access to sites will be easier with proper road network and parking
 Environmental Improvement
 Make the riverfront accessible to the public
 Stop the flow of sewage, keep the river clean and pollution-free
 Stitch together East and West Ahmedabad
 Create a memorable identity for Ahmedabad
 Recreational Activities

Overall, as a result of the above initiative, the activity nodes stand completely
transformed, saving and strengthening the livelihoods to large number of poor people.

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Q7. Scalability of the proposal (500 words)

F
oot Over Bridge (Pedestrian Bridge)

The Foot Over Bridge is proposed between Ellis Bridge and Sardar Bridge on River
Sabarmati at a tender amount of Rs. 74.29 Crores. The bridge joins the plaza between
Flower Garden and Even Ground on West Bank and Theatre, Art & Culture Centre on East
Bank. Due to the bridge the people of Ahmedabad enjoy River Sabarmati and Sabarmati
River Front without traffic. The main features of the bridge are

Total length: 300 Meters, Middle Span: 100 Meters,

Width of Bridge: 10 to 14 meter at centre

The entry on the bridge can be done both from upper promenade and lower promenade
Iconic steel bridge having 2100 Metric Ton steel pipe structure and tensile fabric roof RCC
Flooring, Planter, Stainless Steel and Glass Railing Kite type sculpture at both end
Plantation at the Centre of the Bridge Dynamic and changeable color LED lights

S
RFDCL House

SRFDCL House is situated on the new Sabarmati River Front Development and
occupies a prime river facing location near Nehru Bridge at the heart of the proposed
Commercial and Cultural Central Business District of Ahmedabad. The energy efficient
and environmental friendly building design combines with public gardens and plazas to
create a vibrant, centrally located, river facing workspace environment with World class
amenities.

Building Layouts – Typical Floor (ii, iii & iv)

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 Floor Use Built up Carpet
Area Area

1st Cellar Parking 1897.34 -

2nd Cellar Parking 1897.34 -
3rd Cellar Parking 1897.34 -
G. Floor Exhibition Hall 1476.00
1st Floor Commercial 1936.46 1564.14
2nd Floor Commercial 1899.05 1563.45
3rd Floor Commercial 1936.46 1479.96
4th Floor Commercial 1827.41 1479.96
5th Floor Commercial 1827.41 1498.39

Main Feature of the SRFDCL House:

 High Quality space design that induces creativity and productivity, designed by
World Renowned architects.
 Outstanding River Views
 High Quality Construction and detailing
 Retail amenities such as café and food services within the building
 Secured and monitored 3 levels of underground parking with convenient access
off the new river Front Road
 Prime location the heart of the commercial, cultural and social centre of the city.
 Excellent accessibility through public transport.

C
hhath Ghat & Picnic Centre

Chhath Puja Ghat will be constructed below the Indira Bridge on East Bank at the
cost of 13 crores in the historic Sabarmati River that passes through the city.

In view of the festival Chhath Puja of Shraddha Aastha, especially in Northern India,
Gujarat Tourism Department has allocated Rs. 10 crores for the construction of Pooja
Ghat. To reach the Ghat built on the eastern edge of the Indira Bridge on the Sabarmati
PAGE | 12
River, devotees will have to cross Riverfront Road. This will also create a special design
approach for protection with diaphragm and retaining wall. Other facilities like drinking
water, toilets, etc. will also be arranged.

S
mart Road

The SRFD streets have been designed carefully and deliberately to serve as effective
movement conduits for various users and to be an extension of the public realm.

The SRFD streets run parallel to the river on both banks and provide continuous access
to the riverfront development. Access streets at key locations connect the SRFD streets
to the rest of the city.

All SRFD streets have dedicated pedestrian paths with cycle tracks, parking bays, and 6
m/20ft wide carriageways. Access lanes on one or both sides of the streets provide entries
to the existing development and when required, the proposed riverfront development.
The infrastructure services run below the access lanes, and the storm water line runs
below the central verge.

East River Drive

The eastern part of the city does not have a continuous artery such as Ashram Road on
the west, which provides continuous north-south access. East River Drive addressed this
need making it possible to travel uninterrupted from the airport, in the north, to
Ambedkar Bridge.

The SRFD streets on the east banks have a 30m Row. All SRFD streets have dedicated
pedestrian paths with cycle tracks, parking bays, and 6 m/20ft wide carriageways. Access
lanes on one or both sides of the streets provide entries to the existing development and
when required, the proposed riverfront development. The infrastructure services run
below the access lanes, and the storm water line runs below the central verge.

West River Drive

Along the western bank, Ashram Road forms a continuous north-south connection, and
the SRFD streets weave in and out of the urban fabric creating connections where
required. Ashram Road is undoubtedly the main vehicular artery in the western part of
the city, and the SRFD streets provide alternative routes and strengthen the street
network.

The SRFD streets on the west bank have a 25m RoW. All SRFD streets have dedicated
pedestrian paths with cycle tracks, parking bays, and 6 m/20ft wide carriageways. Access
lanes on one or both sides of the streets provide entries to the existing development and
when required, the proposed riverfront development. The infrastructure services run
below the access lanes, and the stormwater line runs below the central verge.
PAGE | 13
S
ports Facilities

Amongst the many public spaces and facilities, the project also offers three
significant sports facilities. These facilities have been proposed with reference to its
location in the city and the surrounding context. These range from a neighbor-hood level
facility at Shahpur to a city-level sports hub at Paldi and a cluster of grounds near Pirana
for informal sporting activities.

Paldi Sports Complex

The proposed complex near Paldi aims to provide city-level sports facilities on the
western bank.
Project Details
Status: Proposed
Area: 7.1 ha

Pirana Sports Ground

The proposed ground at Pirana aims to provide a multi-functional maidan on the eastern
bank for informal sports and recreational uses.
Project Details
Status: Proposed
Area: 4.2 ha

Shahpur Sports Centre

The proposed centre at Shahpur will offer neighbourhood-level sports facilities on the
eastern bank.
Project Details
Status: Proposed
Area: 2.3 ha

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T
heatre, Art & Culture Centre

Theatre, Art & Culture Centre Centre is a trade-fair facility proposed on the eastern
bank of the river, between Ellis Bridge and Sardar Bridge.

It has been envisioned as a multifaceted convention venue with adaptable spaces that
will be equipped with the latest technological equipment and state-of-the-art facilities.
With its strategic location in the heart of the city, the centre shall address the
requirements of the exhibitors and visitors alike.
Project Details
Status: Proposed under planning

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