Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati river will be without water for nearly two-and-a-half months, starting April 1, due to significant repairs at the Vasna Barrage. The state irrigation department announced that it would empty the barrage completely until June 15, allowing crucial maintenance work on its gates.
Officials noted that a recent pre-monsoon safety inspection revealed the need to replace 18 of the barrage’s 30 gates. The remaining gates will also undergo repairs to ensure they can withstand the upcoming monsoon rains. Constructed in 1976, Vasna Barrage plays a vital role in managing floods and regulating water flow in Ahmedabad.
As part of this project, stored water will be diverted into the Fatehwadi Canal and downstream sections of the Sabarmati River. This means residents and agencies reliant on river water must prepare alternative arrangements during this period.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to take advantage of the dry conditions by speeding up demolition work on the damaged Subhash Bridge, which connects different city sectors. This bridge is being rebuilt at an estimated cost of ₹235 crore after it was deemed unsafe due to settlement issues.
Initial demolition efforts will focus on removing six spans from the central section of the old bridge. Currently, soil tests and structural designs are underway to ensure any new foundation meets necessary standards amid high water pressure during heavy flows.
The AMC aims to finish demolishing existing structures within three months. After that, construction on the new bridge could begin once water flow resumes in Sabarmati River. They’re looking at January 2027 as a target for opening the new Subhash Bridge, contingent upon progress with foundational work.