Ahmedabad Highway To Get Three Six Lane Underpasses
Ahmedabad is set for a significant boost in regional mobility with the construction of three six-lane vehicle underpasses on the Ahmedabad–Mehsana–Palanpur highway. Designed to decongest one of North Gujarat’s busiest routes, the projects aim to provide smoother travel for daily commuters and long-distance travellers. The underpasses will come up near Nagalpur in Mehsana and at two locations close to Unava village in Unjha, forming part of a larger push to expand transport infrastructure within a 100-kilometre radius of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
The initiative is being rolled out under the Regional Transportation Infrastructure programme, which seeks to modernise highways connecting major cities to semi-urban belts. Officials confirmed that the projects, worth ₹307 crore, include not only the underpasses but also expansion of the Ahmedabad–Mehsana–Palanpur State Highway, which directly links to the heavily used Sarkhej–Gandhinagar corridor. The expansion is expected to ease the pressure on arterial routes that often witness high passenger vehicle and freight traffic.
Experts describe the development as more than a road-building exercise. By cutting travel delays, the upgraded highway will reduce idling time, fuel consumption, and vehicular emissions — aligning with the state’s objective of creating sustainable, low-carbon mobility networks. Transport specialists note that the six-lane design is forward-looking, anticipating the rapid growth of inter-city travel and commercial logistics in North Gujarat.
Beyond the highway expansion, the infrastructure package also includes the widening of the 21-kilometre Viramgam–Khudad–Rampura road at a cost of ₹33 crore. Authorities said this complementary project would strengthen rural–urban connectivity, allowing farmers, traders, and small businesses to access larger markets with greater ease. Within Ahmedabad, the upgrades are expected to have a ripple effect on urban congestion as smoother traffic flow towards the northern districts could reduce bottlenecks at key entry and exit points. Officials added that measures are being studied to integrate these highway expansions with green mobility strategies, including electric vehicle charging corridors and improved public transport linkages.
Urban planners emphasise that the long-term success of such projects will depend on balancing infrastructure growth with inclusive planning. Dedicated service roads, pedestrian-friendly designs, and provisions for non-motorised transport are being advocated to ensure equitable access. With Gujarat positioning itself as an economic hub, the integration of sustainability principles into highway development is viewed as critical for shaping an eco-friendly and resilient future. For daily travellers and regional businesses, the new six-lane underpasses signal relief from traffic snarls and promise a more reliable, time-saving journey between Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Palanpur. The challenge ahead lies in ensuring that speed and convenience are achieved without compromising environmental commitments or community needs.
