The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has unveiled several major development projects for the city, including a ₹480-crore safari park at Ajwa, a linear park at Bhayli and a crocodile-shaped pedestrian bridge at Kamatibagh. The projects were presented at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held at GSFC University.
VMC has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to develop a modern safari park on nearly 150 acres of land owned by the civic body at Ajwa. The project is estimated to cost around ₹480 crore. The corporation has sought financial assistance from the Central Government’s Urban Challenge Fund and said it has received a positive response.
Officials said the safari park will become a major eco-tourism destination once approved. Unlike Kamatibagh Zoo, which has limited space, the new park will be able to house large animals such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhinoceroses, bears, hippos and ostriches, along with several other species from India and abroad.
The proposed safari park will also include cafés, food courts, water shows, theatres, aquariums, interpretation centres, eco-resorts, animal hospitals and walk-in aviaries. The civic body expects the project to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue.
Apart from the safari park, VMC has proposed a 1.2-km linear park along the Narmada Canal between Priya Talkies Crossroads and Bhayli Crossroads. The park will feature cycle tracks, walking paths, landscaped gardens, an open-air gym, a children’s play area, sculptures, decorative lighting and parking facilities. A consultant has already been appointed for the project.