The iconic Atal Bridge on the Sabarmati Riverfront has drawn an impressive 77.71 lakh visitors in just three years since its inauguration, solidifying its place as one of Ahmedabad’s most visited and photographed landmarks. Built at a cost of Rs 74 crore, the bridge has already recovered nearly 37 per cent of its investment through ticket revenues, according to official data.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 August 2022, the pedestrian-only bridge has become a symbol of modern urban design and public space innovation in Gujarat. The bridge connects the eastern and western parts of the Sabarmati Riverfront, serving as both a scenic walkway and a cultural hotspot for tourists and residents alike.
As per the figures shared by the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL), a subsidiary of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the bridge attracted 77,71,269 visitors between 31 August 2022 and October 2025. During this period, the AMC earned Rs 27.7 crore in revenue through ticket sales alone.
The ticket rates were revised earlier this year to meet the rising maintenance costs and crowd management requirements. Currently, tickets are priced at Rs 50 for adults and Rs 30 for children (aged 3-12) and senior citizens, up from the earlier rates of Rs 30 and Rs 15 respectively.
Designed to resemble a kite, symbolising Gujarat’s famous Uttarayan festival, the Atal Bridge has become a key visual and cultural element of the Sabarmati Riverfront. The structure’s illuminated façade and colourful panels attract crowds every evening, turning the riverbank into a lively promenade.
Tourism experts and local authorities attribute the bridge’s popularity to its central location, architectural appeal, and safe pedestrian access. It has also become a preferred venue for photography, small public events, and social media influencers, boosting Ahmedabad’s image as a vibrant, tourist-friendly city.
The Atal Bridge is part of Ahmedabad’s broader Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project, which aims to rejuvenate the city’s urban core through recreational and ecological infrastructure. Officials from SRFDCL stated that the steady revenue flow from the bridge will help fund maintenance, beautification, and expansion of nearby riverfront facilities.
With more than 2 lakh monthly visitors on average, the bridge is not only a testament to Ahmedabad’s urban transformation but also a model for financially sustainable public infrastructure in India.
Comments