Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) showcased more than 100 transformative projects under its ambitious Viksit Vadodara 2047 vision at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, which concluded in the city on Tuesday. While initiatives such as the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme have already been rolled out, several other projects are at various stages of planning and execution.Among the proposals, three futuristic projects—a crocodile-shaped bridge across the Vishwamitri river, a wildlife safari park at Ajwa and a canalfront linear park at Sevasi—emerged as major crowd-pullers. VMC municipal commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu told TOI that work on these projects is expected to begin over the next couple of months.Crocodile-shaped bridgeOne of the most striking proposals is a 57-m-crocodile-shaped pedestrian bridge across the Vishwamitri near Sayaji Baug. Planned as a replacement for the ageing bridge inside Kamati Baug, the structure draws inspiration from Vadodara’s identity as the ‘Crocodile City’ . Besides improving connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists within the 113-acre Sayaji Baug precinct, the bridge is designed to become a signature landmark and tourist attraction.Ajwa Wildlife Safari ParkThe proposed Ajwa Wildlife Safari Park is envisioned as a major eco-tourism destination that could transform Vadodara’s eastern growth corridor. According to VMC estimates, the project could generate 3,375 to 4,500 jobs, including 900-1,200 direct jobs, 1,350-1,800 indirect jobs and 1,125-1,500 induced employment opportunities. Once fully operational, the safari park is expected to generate direct annual revenues of Rs 85-100 crore, while its overall economic impact could range between Rs 136 crore and Rs 200 crore, rising to Rs 250 crore through allied activities.
The civic body also expects the project to attract investments in resorts, eco-lodges, weekend homes and other hospitality ventures, strengthening Vadodara’s tourism ecosystem and complementing the Statue of Unity tourism circuit.Linear park to transform Sevasi canalSevasi Linear Canalfront Park aims to convert a 1.2-km canal corridor into a vibrant recreational and ecological space. Spread over more than 15,000 sq m of landscaped public space, the project will feature three dedicated zones for fitness, recreation and community activities. Plans include cycling tracks, public plazas, themed gardens, smart street furniture, interactive public art, solar-powered lighting and native landscaping. The project seeks to promote active mobility, create more public open spaces and strengthen Vadodara’s green infrastructure while making the city more sustainable and liveable.
