The upcoming Tapi Riverfront, inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, is set to transform Surat with a massive investment of ₹3,904 crore. This project is designed to boost tourism and improve the city’s appeal.
Planned to cover a 33-kilometer stretch along the Tapi River, the project has already been approved by the government. A loan of ₹1,991 crore from the World Bank will help fund this major development. City officials say the riverfront will serve as a leisure and recreation spot for the people of Surat.
Fresh tenders have been invited for building a traditional barrage along the entire 33 km stretch. A major part of this work includes the construction of the Rundh-Bhatha Conventional Barrage. The plan also includes creating a 10 km long reservoir as part of the overall project.
The corporation has announced that several new facilities will be developed on both sides of the reservoir. These will include spaces for tourism and improved transport access. The project will also focus on cleaning the river water, planting greenery, and developing recreational zones along the riverbank. It will involve proper water and land management to make the area clean and attractive.
The total project cost stands at ₹3,904 crore, and the state government has officially approved the corporation’s plan.
About Tapi Riverfront Development
A conventional barrage will be constructed on the Tapi River, leading to the formation of a large water reservoir. In Phase-1, this lake will stretch around 10 kilometers, reaching up to the existing Singanpore Weir. In Phase-2, the water body will extend further to cover 23 kilometers, reaching Kathor Bridge. Alongside this development, a new road and a boating facility will also be built, running parallel to the river.
Phase-1 covers the area between the planned Rundh-Bhatha Barrage and Singanpore Weir. Phase-2 will extend from Singanpore Weir cum causeway all the way to Kathor Bridge, creating a continuous stretch of revitalized river space.
The riverfront project will involve the full-scale transformation of both riverbanks. A wide range of features are planned, including an eco-park, public recreation areas, modernized gardens, open-air markets, a floating jetty for boating activities, scenic viewing decks, pedestrian overpasses, walking bridges, ferry terminals, and water discharge tanks.
Additional public amenities will include well-paved walkways, dedicated cycling tracks, lush green zones, overbridges, gardens, amusement parks, and various community-use spaces. The flood protection infrastructure on both sides of the river will also be upgraded. Moreover, a well-connected road will be built along the riverbanks, offering easier access and convenience to residents and visitors alike.
Tapi Riverfront Development Progress
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made an important decision regarding the Surat Tapi Riverfront Project. A new company called Tapi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited will be set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to carry out the project.
This new corporation has received approval to begin with an authorized capital of ₹10 crore. Out of this, ₹5 crore will be provided by the Gujarat state government, and ₹5 crore will be contributed by the Surat Municipal Corporation. The Chief Minister has also given instructions to release the state government’s ₹5 crore share.
It’s also important to note that the Tapi Riverfront Project has a total cost of ₹3,904 crore. For Phase-1, the Government of India has approved a plan to take a loan from the World Bank to cover 70% of the cost, which amounts to ₹1,991 crore. This step ensures that the project will have the needed funding to move forward smoothly.
