Ahmedabad is witnessing mounting discontent as the closure of the key road segment from Batrishi Bhavan to Cargo Motors for the Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project has redirected traffic, intensifying congestion on nearby streets. The closure, aimed at improving Gandhi Ashram’s infrastructure, has had unintended consequences, with diverted traffic from Subhash Bridge Circle and RTO Circle now flooding Ramji Badhia Road. The influx of vehicles on this alternative route has caused significant delays and congestion, raising civic concerns among locals. Many motorists from Subhash Bridge and Keshavnagar areas heading towards Vadaj now face extended travel times, with Ramji Badhia Road being their only viable detour.
The situation escalated on Monday when residents of Suryanagar Society and neighbouring areas, feeling the strain of the heavy traffic, organised a protest on Ramji Badhia Road. Frustrated by the daily traffic snarls disrupting their locality, residents blocked the road, compelling vehicles to turn back while chanting slogans that highlighted their plight. The protest drew the attention of local authorities, with police arriving to defuse the situation. However, the residents’ demands for immediate action on easing traffic have yet to see a concrete response, underlining the growing tension in the area due to the traffic crisis.
From an urban development perspective, the ongoing road closures highlight the need for better traffic management strategies during large-scale redevelopment projects. While the Gandhi Ashram project represents a positive step toward preserving cultural heritage, locals argue that the government should have planned for additional, well-equipped alternative routes to prevent disruptions. Without such measures, neighbourhoods around the project face the brunt of congestion, raising questions about the balance between development and residents’ daily lives.
In a sustainability context, this disruption underscores the broader impacts of urban redevelopment on local communities. The diversion of traffic has not only increased travel times but also escalated fuel consumption and emissions in densely populated areas, contributing to air pollution and reducing residents’ quality of life. Urban planners emphasise the importance of sustainable redevelopment approaches that minimise environmental impact and preserve ease of movement, particularly in residential zones. For Ahmedabad, addressing these concerns could ensure that development efforts do not compromise urban sustainability and civic harmony.
