Ahmedabad: In an effort to revive the project, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for an ‘iconic structure for a meditation-cum-yoga centre’ between Ambedkar Bridge and Vasna Barrage along the west bank in Ahmedabad.

Eighteen consultants have applied for the project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 20-25 crore and will cover an area of 1500 square meters. The centre will feature recreational activities, including an observatory deck at a height of 15-20 meters. The maximum height of the ‘iconic structure’ is proposed to be 20-25 meters.

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner M Thennarasan told, “The centre is designed to offer a serene and peaceful environment where people can relax and enjoy.”

Jagdish Patel, Chief General Manager of SRFDCL, added, “With greenery on one side and a water body on the other, the Vasna Barrage area provides a peaceful respite from the city. We’ve set up a biodiversity park along the west bank of the Sabarmati River with approximately seven hectares of green plantation featuring 200 different plants. We aim to create an iconic structure at the center of this park to serve as a silent zone for spiritual and meditative concentration.”

After scrutinizing the EoI applications, 18 consultants have been shortlisted to present their conceptual designs to an evaluation committee set by SRFDCL. These presentations are scheduled for the last week of June. The selected engineering consultant will develop the theme and concept for the meditation-cum-yoga centre. Following approval, they will prepare sketch designs and detailed drawings, and conduct a survey and soil investigation at the site.

This idea was initially proposed around eight years ago in 2015-16, and EoIs were previously invited for designs. Although designs were submitted by shortlisted consultants, the project stalled at the pre-construction stage as riverfront development in that area was still ongoing.