Ahmedabad: Sabarmati Riverfront is preparing to turn up the fun after sunset. A 940-metre stretch could soon feature wall-to-ground projection shows, 3D holograms, foosball, snooker, basketball shooting and live performances. The proposed zone will also feature weekend music and garba performances. The plan is to turn the lower promenade into a spot where families can hang out.Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) has invited an expression of interest (EOI) to appoint a master agency to plan, programme and operate the stretch on the west bank between Sardar Patel Bridge and Atal Bridge. The project is expected to be completed in two years.The stretch has been divided into three sections, planned around existing attractions such as Flower Park, Atal Bridge and the Cruise Terminal. The proposed zone will remain open from morning until midnight.Section A will cover a 515-metre stretch from the Atal Bridge landing to the cruise jetty. It will feature ‘Sabarmati Ripples and Light’, a projection-mapping show spread across the walls and ground along a 200- to 300-metre stretch. The show will run from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.Section B will be a 295-metre-long and 40-metre-wide paved open plaza. It will house a 150-square-metre to 200-square-metre 3D hologram room, offering themed mini-shows and photo points for visitors.Section C will cover a 130-metre-long and 30-metre-wide space beneath and beside Sardar Patel Bridge. It will feature an underbridge sports hub with facilities for table tennis, foosball, snooker and basketball shooting. The space will also host community tournaments.Sections A and B will also feature ‘City Games Night’, with giant floor games for visitors. Weekend musical performances and Garba events are planned as part of the programming.SRFDCL has set aside space for public participation and local talent.To ensure civic inclusivity, SRFDCL mandates that at least 10% of the annual programming days remain completely free for the general public. At least 15% of event slots will also be given to local performing artists, craft groups and community organisations.The projection shows will feature curated themes celebrating Ahmedabad’s history and its Unesco World Heritage status, a senior SRFDCL official said.The plan also includes safeguards for seasonal fluctuations in Sabarmati’s water level. All event infrastructure “will have to be demountable and removed within 24 to 36 hours of a flood notice”.A continuous path along the river edge must remain completely unobstructed at all times. This will ensure that fire tenders, ambulances and police vehicles can move through the stretch without difficulty.
