The Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad could gain a 940-metre family entertainment zone with projection mapping, 3D holograms, sports facilities and live performances under a proposal invited by the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL). The proposed west-bank zone would operate from morning until midnight and is expected to take two years to complete.
SRFDCL has invited an expression of interest to appoint a master agency that will plan, programme and operate the stretch between Sardar Patel Bridge and Atal Bridge. The agency will be responsible for developing activities across three sections linked to existing attractions including Flower Park, Atal Bridge and the Cruise Terminal.
The largest section, Section A, will cover 515 metres from the Atal Bridge landing to the cruise jetty. It is planned to host ‘Sabarmati Ripples and Light’, a projection-mapping show using walls and ground surfaces across a 200-metre to 300-metre stretch. The show is proposed to run from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Themed projections are expected to highlight Ahmedabad’s history and its Unesco World Heritage status, according to a senior SRFDCL official cited by The Times of India.
Section B will be a 295-metre-long and 40-metre-wide paved open plaza. It will include a 150-square-metre to 200-square-metre 3D hologram room with themed mini-shows and photo points. The section, along with Section A, will also feature ‘City Games Night’, including giant floor games for visitors.
The 130-metre-long and 30-metre-wide Section C will be developed beneath and beside Sardar Patel Bridge as an underbridge sports hub. Proposed facilities include table tennis, foosball, snooker and basketball shooting. The space is also intended to host community tournaments.
The programming plan includes weekend musical performances and garba events, while space will be reserved for local talent and public participation. SRFDCL has specified that at least 10% of annual programming days must remain completely free for the general public. At least 15% of event slots will be allocated to local performing artists, craft groups and community organisations.
The proposal also sets conditions for operating a public activity zone beside the river. All event infrastructure must be demountable and removed within 24 to 36 hours of a flood notice, accounting for seasonal changes in the Sabarmati’s water level. A continuous path along the river edge must remain unobstructed at all times so that fire tenders, ambulances and police vehicles can move through the stretch.
The EOI is the beginning of the procurement and planning process, rather than confirmation that the full zone is already operational. The selected master agency will have to develop and manage the programming and facilities before the proposed two-year completion timeline can be assessed.
