Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in its Draft Budget 2026–27 presented today, has proposed significant investments aimed at enhancing the city’s beautification and public spaces, with a major focus on the Sabarmati Riverfront Development.

The civic body has earmarked around ₹853.00 crore for new cultural infrastructure, upgraded riverfront promenades, food courts, gardens, and tourism-oriented projects along both banks of the river.

One of the key future-looking projects is the Water Metro. AMC has also proposed Rs 1 crore for a Water Metro feasibility study, exploring water-based transport options along the Sabarmati.

The civic body has made a provision of Rs 258 crore to establish an Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre near Tagore Hall Plaza on the western riverbank.

AMC also plans extensive development work along a 10-km stretch, including roads, upper promenades, and supporting infrastructure. This project is expected to cover the eastern bank from Sadar Bazaar to Indira Bridge, and the western bank from the Railway Bridge to Indira Bridge, with a budget of Rs 176 crore.

The civic body has also proposed Rs 100 crore for the development of riverside eateries and food court facilities between Nehru Bridge and Ellis Bridge, aiming to boost tourism and leisure activities along the riverfront.

Riverfront Phase-3 expansion

Under Riverfront Phase-3, AMC has allocated Rs 100 crore for extending riverfront development from Indira Bridge up to the Narmada Canal. Another Rs 100 crore has been proposed for the construction of an active middle promenade and finishing works, covering the eastern bank from Sadar Bazaar to Indira Bridge and the western bank from Torrent Power to Indira Bridge.

To further enhance the city’s green and recreational infrastructure, AMC has proposed:

• Tropical Forest project – Rs 56 crore

• Musical Fountain – Rs 50 crore

• Longest Linear Garden – Rs 12 crore

The budget also includes plans to improve mobility along the riverfront, with AMTS bus services proposed for transportation between the eastern and western banks.

Beyond the riverfront, the draft budget includes beautification initiatives such as City Entry Gates and a new City Square project, with an allocation of Rs 50 crore. DeshGujarat