Causeway

Overview & Location

• Officially named Morarji Desai Setu, the structure is a combined weir and causeway spanning the Tapi River between Rander and Katargam in Surat, Gujarat.
• Coordinates place it in the Sultaniya locality (Rander area), with the nearest railway station being Dandu Gopala, approximately 2.4 km away.

🛠️ Design & Specifications

• Completed in 1995 at an approximate cost of ₹35 Crore.
• Length: 580 m; Width: 10 m.
• Gated weir section: 98 m (16 spans)
• Ungated causeway: 482 m.
• Constructed using reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C.) and maintained by the Surat Municipal Corporation.

🚗 Purpose & Functionality

• Serves dual roles:

1. Weir — regulates upstream water levels of the Tapi River.
2. Causeway — acts as a low-level bridge for vehicles and pedestrians connecting major suburbs such as Adajan, Rander, Katargam, Ved Road, and Varachha.

🔄 Operational History

• Seasonal Closures: Typically shut during monsoon due to overflows when river level exceeds ~6 m.
• 2013: Closed for 2½ months.
• 2014: Closed for 27 days in September, 13 days in July.
• 2018: Closed when Ukai releases water raising level to 6 m.
• 2023 & 2024: Reopened after 50 days and 129 days of closure, respectively.
• Impact of Closure: Interrupts commuting for over 600,000 daily users, affecting diamond industry workers and causing traffic congestion on alternate bridges like Nehru and Gilani.

🚦 Traffic & Safety

• When overtopped, the causeway is closed by administrative decision for public safety.
• Reopening usually follows after water recedes below the danger threshold (~5.6–6 m) and repairs (rails, roadway clearing) are completed.

🌆 Community & Recreation

• A popular spot for locals to enjoy the river’s scenery and fishing.
• Nearby restaurants and recreational docks (e.g., Blues Adventures) offer dining and leisure on platforms around the causeway.
• The structure is rated ~4.5/5 by visitors as a pleasant vantage point for river views .

🏗️ Urban Planning Context

• Forms part of the ongoing Tapi Riverfront Development Project, aiming to enhance Surat's riverside with walkways, green spaces, and connectivity to Cable Bridge and Gaurav Path.
• Local discussion suggests upgrading the causeway's surroundings (trash control, seating, improved safety rails) to bolster tourism and community use .

📋 Quick Facts

AttributeDetails

Name: Morarji Desai Setu (Weir-cum-Causeway)

Connects: Rander ↔ Katargam (via Adajan–Ved Road–Varachha)

Dimensions: 580 m long × 10 m wide (98 m gated weir + 482 m causeway)

Built in: 1995 (₹35 Cr)

Operated by: Surat Municipal Corporation

Closed when: River > 6 m (monsoon/U kai release)

Users affected: 600k+ commuters daily

Nearest station: Dandu Gopala (2.4 km)

Nearby amenities: Riverfront eateries (e.g., Blues Adventures)

✅ Summary

The Morarji Desai Setu causeway is critical infrastructure linking key suburbs and regulating river flow, yet faces seasonal disruptions that significantly impact traffic. With ongoing riverfront development and community interest, upgrading its safety, amenities, and access could transform it into both a functional asset and a tourist-friendly riverside attraction.