After years of delays, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) in Ahmedabad is advancing with the development of four strategic plots along the Sabarmati Riverfront. With base prices set at INR 23,676 per square metre for the western plots and INR 19,982 per square metre for the eastern plots, SRFDCL aims to unlock the area's real estate potential. The initiative, part of a larger plan to develop 17 plots over 149,000 square metres, is expected to boost Ahmedabad's urban landscape, enhancing public spaces and driving future investments.
After significant delays, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) in Ahmedabad is ready to move forward with the development of four key plots along the Sabarmati Riverfront. This initiative, which has been in the planning stages for years, aims to unlock the potential of real estate in this prime area.
The two western plots are located near Vallabh Sadan, while the eastern plots are close to the Dudheshwar Dedhichi Bridge and Lemon Tree Hotel in Khanpur. The total area for the western plots is about 11,448 square metres, with a base price set at INR 23,676 per square metre for development rights. One of these plots is still to have its built-up area finalised, but the second plot, identified as WGN-05, is approved for a maximum built-up area of 60,000 square metres and a height of 66 metres.
On the eastern side, the combined area of the two plots is about 7,143 square metres, with a base price of INR 19,982 per square metre. One plot behind the Lemon Tree Hotel is designated for a 41,385 square metre built-up area at a height of 67.25 metres, while another plot near Dadhichi Bridge is set for a built-up area of 65,600 square metres, reaching up to 76 metres tall. A 6-metre wide arcade along the riverside is being proposed to enhance accessibility and aesthetic appeal.
This development is part of a larger vision by SRFDCL, which aims to develop 17 plots across seven designated value zones along the riverfront, covering a total area of 149,000 square metres. In October 2023, the Gujarat government approved the Sabarmati Riverfront Land Disposal Policy, which has laid the groundwork for these initiatives. This policy categorises the riverfront land into value zones and establishes base prices for development, ensuring a structured approach to land management.
However, the path to this development has not been straightforward. The corporation has explored auctioning plots for over six years and faced various challenges throughout the process. An attempt in 2021 to auction 49 plots was unsuccessful, primarily due to pricing issues. Additionally, previous valuations in 2016 for two plots in the western section were also unproductive because the base prices were deemed too high.
Looking ahead, SRFDCL plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the four plots in the first phase, followed by an auction for development rights. The base prices will be reviewed every three years; notably, the plot that secures the highest bid will establish the new baseline for that value zone. This structured approach aims to attract developers while ensuring fair market value for the land.
The Sabarmati Riverfront holds significant potential for transforming Ahmedabad into a more vibrant urban space. This development could not only enhance the real estate market but also improve public spaces and connectivity along the river, making it a more attractive destination for residents and tourists alike.
As the initiative develops, stakeholders in Ahmedabad are hopeful that it will pave the way for future investments and urban renewal projects along the riverfront, aligning with the city's broader goals of sustainable growth and enhanced livability.