The major objectives of project are environment improvement, social infrastructure and sustainable development.

The Dharoi Dam constructed in 1976 upstream of Ahmedabad controls water and protects from flooding while Vasna Barrage constructed in 1976 downstream retains water in the river along the city banks and diverts it through Fatehwadi canal for irrigation.

French architect Bernard Kohn proposed an ecological valley in Sabarmati basin stretched from Dharoi Dam to Gulf of Cambay in the 1960s.

[3] In 1964, he proposed an Integrated Planning and Development of Sabarmati Riverfront by reclaiming 30 hectares (74 acres) of land.

In 1992, the National River Conservation Plan proposed construction of sewers and pumping stations to reduce water pollution.

Environmental Planning Collaborative (EPC) led by Bimal Patel prepared the feasibility report in 1998.

In 2003, the project extended to cover an 11.25 kilometres (6.99 mi) stretch and reclamation of 202.79 hectares (501.1 acres) and was put on fast track.

The project estimated to cost ₹1,200 crore (US$140 million) which was to be recovered by selling of a part of reclaimed land for commercial and residential purpose.

The heavy engineering, land reclamation and sewage system was completed at the cost of ₹900 crore (US$100 million).

[6] The 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi) long lower promenades on both banks are completed and some of its section were opened to the public on 15 August 2012.

[1] The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited Sabarmati riverfront with prime minister of India Narendra Modi on 17 September 2014.

It is uniformly narrowed to 263 metres (863 ft) without affecting its flood carrying capacity and the riverbed land is reclaimed on the both east and west banks to construct 11.25 kilometres (6.99 mi) long riverfront.

The West River Drive decongestants the Ashram Road and has 25 metres (82 ft) RoW.

[24] The Sabarmati Ashram will be also connected to lower promenade and existing steps will be developed as an amphitheater.

The 1.4 ha Peace Garden at Khanpur is proposed as a park as well as location for concerts and outdoor performances.

Ravivari or Gujari Bazar, the informal Sunday Market held under Ellis Bridge is moved to the new location near Gaekwad Haveli.

[6][38] The 5.7 ha Exhibition Centre, a trade-fair facility, is proposed on the eastern bank of the river.

The funds raised by selling the land will recover the cost of the construction and sustain the management of the riverfront.

In 2020, the SRFDCL appointed JLL India to monetise around 500 acres (200 ha) land which is valued ₹3,500 crore (US$400 million).

[52] A 30-metre long barrage-cum-bridge will be constructed at the cost of ₹250 crore (US$29 million) connecting Torrent Powerhouse on the west and Sadar Bazar on the east.

[58] The peak discharge in the Sabarmati in August 2006 was between 260,000 and 310,000 cu ft/s (8,800 m3/s), which caused floods that washed away hundreds of hutments.

However, Gujarat state irrigation department measured a peak flow of 550,000 cu ft/s (16,000 m3/s) in 1973, before construction of Dharoi dam.

[60] The project was delayed several times due to issues regarding relocation and rehabilitation of more than 10000 slum dwellers along the river banks.

After petitions by activists, the Gujarat High Court intervened and ordered halting demolition of slums until proper planning was implemented.

[64] Several other cities planned to follow the model for riverfront development including Vadodara, Surat, Pune, Varanasi, Chennai, Noida.