Ahmedabad Airport – Sabarmati Riverfront Tunnel Project Gets Preliminary TP Scheme Approval

Ahmedabad: The proposed tunnel connecting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport with the Sabarmati Riverfront has moved a step closer to reality after the state Urban Development Department granted preliminary approval to the alignment under Hansol Town Planning (TP) Scheme No. 67, according to a Times of India report.

The project had been stalled for nearly three years over the Army’s pending no-objection certificate (NOC). The latest approval preserves the alignment and 24-metre approach road near The Ummed hotel, but does not constitute the Army’s NOC or final construction clearance, the report said.

The tunnel will begin near the Sardar Patel statue at the airport, pass through Airport Circle and connect with the 24-metre-wide road being developed along the eastern bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront under Phase 2.

The tunnel is expected to provide a direct connection between the airport, the Riverfront and the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave near Narendra Modi Stadium. The project has gained added significance as Ahmedabad prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and remains involved in India’s efforts to pursue a possible bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

The project was earlier included in a memorandum of understanding between the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Army Cantonment. However, the absence of the Army’s NOC prevented the project from progressing.

With the TP scheme now approved at the preliminary stage, AMC and SRFDCL can move ahead with design finalisation, technical assessments and applications for the remaining permissions. However, the actual construction timeline will depend on the Army’s NOC, technical clearances, funding arrangements and the appointment of an executing agency.

DeshGujarat