Rs 155 crore project to showcase Ahmedabad’s rich temple heritage

GANDHINAGAR: Devotion, heritage, tradition and history, all linked by one ambitious plan. After more than a decade, the state urban development department (UDD), along with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has paved the way for the Rs 155.02 crore Temple Link Project in the city that will showcase the city's rich temple heritage. Passing through the historic Vasant Chowk and Ganesh Temple, the 2km trail will connect Saptarshi No Aaro to the Jagannath Temple via the traditional Jal Yatra route.

The trail will wind along a network of nearly 35 ancient temples, including Saptarshi No Aaro, Jagannath Temple, Somnath Bhudar Aaro (Jal Yatra route), Mahalaxmi Temple near Manek Burj, temples near Rambari, the Ganesh Temple, Maruti Temple, the Krishna Temple in Vasant Chowk, and several others.
The project will involve renovation of temples and creation of 10 temple squares (plazas) and gardens, a heritage interpretation centre and a multilevel parking facility.
The project has been divided into three zones, with the first focusing on the area around Vasant Chowk and temples near Rambari along the Sabarmati. "This zone will see the creation of a vibrant temple square and the renovation of existing temples to enhance their aesthetic appeal and functionality," said a UDD official.
The second zone will prioritise temples near Saptarshi No Aaro. The plan includes renovating these temples to restore them to their original glory and the creation of a captivating plaza featuring a sculptural representation of the Saptrishis. This zone will also connect to the Jagannath Temple via the Jal Yatra route, with planned renovations for temples along this path, including the Ramji and Mahadev temples.
A grand plaza will be built in front of the Jagannath Temple, and a heritage gate will be built along the Sabarmati River. Additionally, AMC's EWS housing scheme will be developed along the eastern side of the Jal Yatra route to relocate project-affected slum dwellers.
The third zone will largely cover the area behind Tilak Bag along Sabarmati River.
"This zone will see construction of a heritage centre and a multilevel parking facility. The heritage centre will feature an interpretation centre spread over 1,600 sq m, providing visitors with detailed insights into Ahmedabad's cultural heritage," the official added. A new multilevel parking facility planned to ease congestion will accommodate 750 four-wheelers.