Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Cancels Basement Interlinking Tunnel Plan
In a significant move, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) has officially decided to cancel the design plan to interlink the basements of upcoming buildings via tunnels on plots designated for sale along the western bank of the riverfront in Ahmedabad. This decision comes after over a year of stalled construction plans due to the complexities associated with the tunnel design.
Background and Initial Plans
Initially, when SRFDCL prepared a design to link the basements, development rights for a plot in the Vallabh Sadan "Value Zone" on the western bank were sold. However, construction plans for the new building remained at a standstill for more than a year because of the intricate tunnel design intended to connect the basements. Consequently, in a recent board meeting, SRFDCL made the formal decision to scrap the interlinking project entirely.
Recent Auction and Bid Details
On September 13, 2024, SRFDCL issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to sell development rights for two key plots. One plot is located near Vallabh Sadan on the west bank, and another is near the Lemon Tree Hotel on the east bank. The Vallabh Sadan plot spans 4,420 square meters with a permissible construction area of 60,050 square meters. The base price was set at Rs 23,676 per square meter, and a Mumbai-based real estate firm emerged as the highest bidder at Rs 26,000 per square meter.
In October 2024, SRFDCL approved the Rs 156 crore bid for the Vallabh Sadan plot. The winning bidder is required to complete construction within four years of receiving the letter of award. The plan includes a 66-meter-high mixed-use commercial building featuring upscale offices, co-working spaces, restaurants, retail stores, lounges, and food courts.
Reasons for Cancelling the Tunnel Design
The construction confusion primarily stemmed from the basement interlinking design. An SRFDCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that in a meeting held on March 9, 2026, it was decided to cancel the tunnel design. The official stated, "The Vallabh Sadan plot is located near the Metro bridge. So, an NOC from the Metro Rail authorities would have been required to build the tunnel." To avoid further delays and complications, the interlinking requirement has been scrapped.
Eastern Bank Plot and Policy Context
As for the plot on the eastern bank near the Lemon Tree Hotel, it is a 3,045 square meter tract with 41,385 square meters of construction area. The base price was Rs 20,833 per square meter. Since only a single bid was received, the corporation decided to restart the auction process for this plot.
This development aligns with the Sabarmati Riverfront Land Disposal Policy approved by the state government in July 2024. Under this policy, 17 plots totaling 1.49 lakh square meters across seven "Value Zones" are slated for sale. Notably, for the first time, SRFDCL has permitted exclusive commercial mixed-use development on a single plot, marking a shift in urban planning strategies for the riverfront area.
Implications and Future Outlook
The cancellation of the basement tunnel plan is expected to streamline construction processes and reduce potential regulatory hurdles. By eliminating the need for Metro Rail approvals and simplifying design requirements, SRFDCL aims to accelerate development on the Sabarmati Riverfront. This move underscores a pragmatic approach to urban development, balancing innovative design with practical considerations to foster timely project completion and economic growth in Ahmedabad.
