Independence Day Special | Gandhi’s historical Dandi March began at THIS Ahmedabad Bridge

As Independence Day draws near, Ahmedabad is filled with patriotic fervour. Among the city’s landmarks that whisper tales of India’s fight for freedom, Dandi Bridge stands as a quiet yet profound reminder of the extraordinary events that unfolded here nearly a century ago.

This newly renovated wooden bridge that once connected Sabarmati Ashram to the city, was the very first step in a journey that would forever alter the course of India's struggle for independence and started a new era of civil disobedience.

On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on one of the most significant journeys in the history of India’s independence movement: the Salt Satyagraha. This non-violent rebellion against the British salt monopoly spanned 24 days and covered approximately 387 km from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi.

As Gandhi and his 78 volunteers set off on this historic march, they first crossed Dandi Bridge, marking the beginning of their journey.

The Salt March was not just a protest against the salt tax; it was a symbolic act of defiance against the British Empire. As Gandhi led his followers across this bridge, it was more than just a physical crossing—it was the crossing of a threshold into a new era of civil disobedience. The movement gained momentum as it progressed, inspiring millions to join the cause and bolstering India’s pursuit of freedom.

Today, Dandi Bridge might appear to be just another bridge in Ahmedabad, passed daily by commuters who may not realise its historical significance. But for those who pause and reflect, it’s a powerful symbol of the resilience and determination that defined India’s independence movement.

This Independence Day, as we celebrate the freedom hard-won by our forebears, Dandi Bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the journey that began here—one that reshaped India’s destiny. Walking across the bridge, you can almost imagine the determined footsteps of Gandhi and his followers, setting out on a path that would lead to the liberation of a nation.

Distance from Sabarmati Ashram: 950 metres

Location: Ashram Road, Old Wadaj, Ahmedabad