The Jagannath Temple of Ahmedabad is at the heart of a new redevelopment initiative spearheaded by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) that could rival the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor of Varanasi.

According to sources, the INR 155 crore “Temple Link Project” will aim to connect 35 ancient temples across the city through a two-kilometre heritage trail. The trail will begin at Vasant Chowk and pass by key landmarks such as the Ganesh Temple and Saptarshi No Aaro, before culminating at the Jagannath Temple. This redevelopment aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience, drawing from the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance as the starting point for Gujarat's grand Rath Yatra.

The corridor will follow the traditional Jal Yatra route, creating a continuous link between various religious sites. Alongside this, the project includes the development of temple squares, gardens and a heritage interpretation centre that will showcase Ahmedabad's rich cultural legacy.

A key feature of the project is the construction of a multilevel parking facility with a capacity to accommodate 750 vehicles, addressing traffic congestion, particularly during major events like the Rath Yatra. The redevelopment will be carried out in three phases:

Phase 1: This phase focuses on the renovation of temples near Vasant Chowk and Rambari, located along the Sabarmati River. The goal is to restore the ancient structures while preserving their historical charm and architectural beauty.

Phase 2: The next phase will concentrate on the development of a grand plaza in front of the Jagannath Temple, designed to provide a grand entryway for visitors. In addition, temples near Saptarshi No Aaro will be restored, and a heritage gate will be constructed along the Sabarmati River to further enhance the area’s cultural significance.

Phase 3: This phase will focus on Tilak Bag, where a 1,600 square-metre heritage centre will be built. A multilevel parking facility will also be constructed to further alleviate traffic issues in the area.

Additionally, a spacious visiting plaza capable of accommodating up to 4,000 devotees will be constructed outside the temple, creating an inviting space for worshippers and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. The development also includes upgrades to the Jal Yatra route, which connects the Jagannath Temple to the Sabarmati River, ensuring a smooth journey for pilgrims during the festival.

To make way for this development, the AMC has issued notices to 15 properties along the route, ensuring that those affected are offered housing under an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme.

(With inputs from multiple news sources)