Case Study: Kankaria Lakefront

Status: Completed in 2009

Site Area: 56.5 Hectares
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Aim: The primary aim of the project was to develop the Kankaria lake as a safe, robust, and pedestrian-friendly,
recreational hub that would foster new activities in addition to supporting the current activities

Overview: Kankaria lake is an integral part of Ahmedabad’s visual identity. It was developed as an artificial lake by
Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the Sultan of Delhi, in 1451 AD. Until the early 1990s, Kankaria served Ahmedabad as a very
pleasant and enjoyable recreational asset within the city.

Process: Heritage structures found on the site were sensitively cleaned and restored. Multiple public access points
were provided to the Ghats, which were cleaned and repaired as part of the proposal.
Source- NIUA
Highlights: Improving Pedestrian Experience: The entire 2-km long stretch
encircling the lake has been made exclusively for pedestrians. Sufficiently wide,
continuous, tree-lined and accessible sidewalks are provided to ensure a pedestrian-
friendly environment.
Upgrading Public Amenities: “Pay and Use” toilets, telephone booths and kiosks for
newspapers and magazines have been placed at strategic locations along the
precinct. Clusters are identified for vending activities and provided with required
amenities in an organized manner, including water supply and drainage connections.
Organizing Traffic Movement: Different modes of traffic are segregated into clearly
demarcated lanes using physical barriers or changing the surface material. A
dedicated bicycle lane has also been provided to encourage health, well-being and
environmental sustainability.

Challenges: The main challenge of the project was to transform the traffic
congested lakeside road into an attractive pedestrian promenade lined by linear
gardens, food courts and organized vending spaces.

Outcomes: Amongst the various recreational activities provided, the mini train
circling the lake is the most popular. The initial design proposed laying the rails of
the train 6-inches lower than the level of the pedestrian walkway. A 6-feet wide
sample was prepared on site and it was observed that the level difference between
the walkway and the rails would cause hindrance to the comfort and safety of the
pedestrians. The design was revised to lay the rails on the same level as the
promenade.