Amdavadis say cheers to Ellis Bridge turning walkway

Standing steady for the past 124 years on the banks of Sabarmati River, Ellis Bridge has been one of the most iconic symbols of Ahmedabad. After weathering various plans of demolition by the authorities, the bridge now finally sees a ray of hope, as Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) recently proposed that it would soon be converted into a walkway.
The bridge, that has not only been shown in all its glory in a number of Gujarati films (and the odd Bollywood film like Kai Po Che or TV shows shot here), generates nostalgia for Amdavadis.Tearing it down would have been heartwrenching for Amdavadis. But this decision (to convert it into a walkway) has brought in sighs of relief from all quarters. “It holds a strong heritage value to the city,” says Pravin Patel, Chairman, Standing Committee, AMC adding, “Since ,the foundation of the bridge is in a bad shape, the only option was to let in the light vehicles or transform it into a pedestrian pathway. The latter option was more feasible.” The authorities are also thinking of giving this space to various informal markets, but that would happen only when they figure out on the parking facilities. “We are planning to give space for parking near Bhikhabhai garden, but that is yet to be proposed as a plan,” he adds further.
Not many would know that the story of Ellis Bridge begins at Manek Burj. In fact, it is the place where Ahmed Shah, the ruler after whom Ahmedabad is named, laid the city’s foundation. “While excavating this place, we had come across the foundation stone in last December. It has got its place in the museum, but will soon will be exhibited on the bridge,” says Debashish Nayak, director, Center for Heritage Management. “The main purpose behind transforming it into a walkway is to use it and add more years to its life,” opines Nayak.
There had also been various proposals to make the bridge as an artists’ street and market where, various artists from in and around the city can exhibit their work during weekends. Hope this would help us in restoring the kala varso that our city is known for.
Devang Patel
Heritage structures in any city are icons that people know them for. That is why it is primary that they are preserved and restored. Whenever I go abroad, I see how beautifully some nations have preserved their heritage structures, and they have become such icons. Similarly, it is a good move that AMC is planning to give Ellis Bridge a makeover, after all it is a glorious structure of our city.
Monal Gajjar
Converting the Ellis Bridge into a walkway is a lovely idea. It would also be great if a provision can be made, where the bridge is beautifully lit where musicians can jam, people can come and have a casual outing with few small stalls serving tea. And this should be done late in the night, so there is no traffic and people can enjoy a quiet musical evening at peace.
Divyang Thakkar
Ellis Bridge could really become a melting pot for various artists and become an interactive zone. Like every Sunday it can be converted into a space where painters, musicians, actors, standup comedians can converge and just express themselves. There is a lot of talent waiting for such open arenas where they can showcase their art uninhibited. I think Ellis Bridge could be that space.
Samvedna Suwalka
Since Ellis Bridge is so strategically located, it can become a space for various creative activities. If I was made incharge of this project, I’d like to start with a photography competition in the morning and a heritage walk sharing the history and cultural significance of this iconic structure. In the evening, school and college students can be involved by organizing street plays et al.