Surat

First phase works for redevelopment of a historical fort on the bank of river Tapi is going on in Surat city in Gujarat at a cost of Rs 18.75 crore.

Under phase-1, Gandhibag and fort ground development works are completed, while works for restoration of fort, Shanivari(Saturday) market and river bank development are in progress.

In second face, Shanivari bazar will be regularized, river bank development works will be completed with river side theme plaza.

Material used for restoration work is same old-age material.

Mumbai based Savani construction has been given contract of restoration work.

The entire project includes interpretation center, activity center, visual art center, performing art center, literary art center, gallery for artists, personalities of Surat gallery, an exhibition showcasing history of this fort, gallery for art and culture, gallery for habitat and lifestyle of Surat, photo gallery and exhibition area, Armenian gallery etc.

The fort was built by Khwaja Safar Salmani alias Khudavandkhan. It was built for protection of Surat city against Portuguese. A trench was built in alignment with fort wall filled with river Tapi water.

The chowk area opposite fort will be developed as heritage square in size of 82599 square meter. While first phase works are in progress, tenders are invited for second phase.

DeshGujarat