Ahmedabad: The Sabarmati river stretch within Ahmedabad will remain without water for nearly two-and-a-half months, from April 1 to June 15, 2026, as the state irrigation department has decided to completely empty the Vasna Barrage to undertake major repair work and replace several gates. The dry riverbed will also allow the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to speed up demolition work on the damaged Subhash Bridge, which is being rebuilt at an estimated cost of ₹235 crore.

According to officials, the decision to shut the barrage was taken after a pre-monsoon dam safety inspection, during which experts recommended replacing 18 out of the 30 gates of the Vasna Barrage, while the remaining gates will undergo repairs to ensure structural safety before the monsoon. The barrage, built in 1976, plays a crucial role in flood control and water regulation in Ahmedabad.

Water to be released, river stretch to remain empty

To carry out the work, the water stored at the barrage will be released into the Fatehwadi Canal and downstream sections of the Sabarmati, due to which no water will remain in the riverfront stretch during the repair period.

The irrigation department has issued instructions to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation, Torrent Power, and other government as well as private agencies dependent on river water to make alternative arrangements during the shutdown.

Subhash Bridge demolition to be completed during dry period

Meanwhile, due to the absence of water in the river, the civic body plans to carry out demolition of the damaged portion of Subhash Bridge, which connects the eastern and western parts of the city. The old bridge is being dismantled after span settlement was reported, and the AMC has approved construction of a new, wider bridge at a cost of about ₹235 crore.

Officials from the bridge project department said nearly six spans in the central portion of the bridge will be demolished first. Soil testing, land measurement, and structural design work are currently underway to determine the depth and strength of the new foundation so that the structure can withstand high water pressure during heavy flow.

Since parts of the existing structure will fall into the river during demolition, the work cannot be carried out when water is present, making the April–June dry period critical for completing the dismantling work.

Target to complete bridge by 2027

According to officials, demolition is expected to be completed within about three months, after which construction of the new bridge will continue once water flow resumes in the Sabarmati. The civic body is aiming to make the new Subhash Bridge operational by January 2027, subject to the progress of foundation and structural work. DeshGujarat