Ahmedabad: A book “Sabarmati Navigation: 1894’s Unfulfilled Blueprint” was launched in Ahmedabad today, reviving a fascinating yet lesser-known chapter from the city’s historical archives.

The book, revised by noted historian Dr. Rizwan Qadri, explores an ambitious proposal made in 1894 by visionary citizens of Ahmedabad. The proposal aimed to transform the inland city into a maritime hub by bringing seawater from the Gulf of Khambhat through a navigational channel to Ahmedabad via the Sabarmati River.

According to historical records documented in the book, the plan sought to develop Ahmedabad as a port-linked commercial city, potentially altering its economic trajectory. However, the British administration rejected the proposal, and the dream of turning Ahmedabad into a maritime city remained unrealized.

Interestingly, the book draws parallels between that 19th-century vision and modern infrastructure initiatives such as the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation project. While the original maritime ambition was never fulfilled, the transformation of the Sabarmati riverfront is seen by many as partially realizing the spirit of that historic dream. DeshGujarat