Ahmedabad begins demolition of unsafe Hatkeshwar flyover
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has commenced the demolition of the Hatkeshwar flyover, a ₹34-crore structure declared unsafe just five years after its opening. The dismantling marks the latest chapter in a civic infrastructure project that has become a cautionary tale of poor quality, public inconvenience, and mounting accountability concerns.Officials confirmed that demolition work began with surface removal, while the detailed dismantling plan is being reviewed by a panel at IIT-Gandhinagar.
Once technical queries are addressed, a comprehensive traffic diversion strategy will be announced before the main structure is taken down. Authorities estimate a three-month timeline for completion, though weather disruptions during the monsoon could delay progress.The collapse of public confidence in the project began in 2022, when the bridge, riddled with potholes and cracks, was shut within five years of service. A committee of experts, including a professor from IIT-Roorkee, later confirmed structural deficiencies. The closure forced commuters to face daily diversions and congestion for over three years, highlighting how flawed infrastructure design directly impacts citizens’ mobility and quality of life.
In financial terms, the demolition tender, initially valued at ₹9.31 crore, was awarded at ₹3.90 crore to the lowest bidder. The civic body has stated that the full cost of dismantling will be recovered from the contractor responsible for the original construction. Payments for another ongoing project handled by the same firm have also been withheld to ensure recovery. Officials underscored that the step is intended to reinforce accountability in civic contracting, ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened for failures of execution.
Over the past two years, the municipal body issued multiple notices to both the construction agency and its consultancy partner.
A police complaint filed last year adds another layer of scrutiny, though residents remain more concerned about immediate relief from prolonged traffic disruptions than legal proceedings.Urban planners have observed that the Hatkeshwar episode underlines the pressing need for stricter quality control, transparent procurement, and independent oversight in public projects. Experts argue that cities aspiring for sustainable growth cannot afford infrastructure that fails prematurely, as the environmental and financial costs of demolition and reconstruction significantly add to a city’s carbon footprint.
The incident has also sparked debate on how civic administrations must integrate durability and sustainability in infrastructure design. A zero-defect approach, they argue, is essential for future projects, both to safeguard public trust and to align urban development with eco-friendly and equitable growth models.As demolition moves forward, residents are left balancing frustration with cautious hope. For Ahmedabad, the dismantling of Hatkeshwar flyover is more than an engineering task—it is a test of the city’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and accountable urban infrastructure.
