Ahmedabad Chaotic Junctions Pose Major Traffic and Safety Risks
Ahmedabad’s rapid urban expansion has brought with it severe traffic congestion, and a recent study has spotlighted Ambawadi and Shyamal Crossroads as two of the city’s most difficult junctions to navigate. Conducted by Urban Labs, a city-based research organisation, the study highlights significant flaws in road design, pedestrian infrastructure, and traffic management. The primary concerns include narrow footpaths, confusing road alignments, and erratic parking that contribute to long wait times and unsafe conditions for commuters. These issues are not just minor inconveniences but reflect deeper systemic problems in urban planning, where vehicular movement is prioritised over pedestrian safety and sustainable traffic solutions. With Ahmedabad witnessing a consistent rise in vehicular population—having surpassed 40 lakh registered vehicles—such congestion hotspots demand urgent intervention.
One of the key findings at Shyamal Crossroads is the flawed design of its four-arm junction, which contributes to frequent bottlenecks. Despite designated free left turn lanes aimed at easing congestion, their excessive width leads to reckless driving and misuse. Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern, as zebra crossings are raised above road level, making them inaccessible to wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals. The study underscores how these infrastructural oversights not only hinder movement but also compromise road safety, particularly for vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, Ambawadi Junction’s expansive width, coupled with the absence of channelisers, has resulted in chaotic and unsafe conditions, allowing for wrong-side driving and dangerous manoeuvres. Traffic experts stress that well-aligned right-angled intersections provide better visibility and navigation ease, unlike the acute and obtuse angles currently present at these junctions, which force drivers to turn their heads at awkward angles, increasing accident risks.
Beyond congestion and design flaws, these junctions also highlight the broader sustainability challenges in urban traffic management. The overreliance on private vehicles due to inadequate public transport options has led to increased carbon emissions, air pollution, and road stress. Sustainable solutions such as widening footpaths, ensuring pedestrian-friendly crossings, and implementing smart traffic management systems can alleviate these issues. Many global cities have successfully tackled similar challenges by introducing dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrian-only zones, and intelligent traffic signals that dynamically adjust to congestion levels. Ahmedabad, too, must take inspiration from such models to reduce vehicular dependency and create a more environmentally friendly urban ecosystem.
From a civic standpoint, these findings expose deeper governance gaps in urban infrastructure planning. While road expansion projects continue, pedestrian convenience and safety remain afterthoughts rather than priorities. Traffic mismanagement at these junctions is not just a logistical challenge but a reflection of larger systemic issues where urban growth outpaces infrastructure development. Ahmedabad’s municipal authorities must take decisive action by redesigning problematic junctions, ensuring proper lane discipline, and incorporating public transport solutions that offer viable alternatives to private vehicle usage. A comprehensive urban mobility plan, backed by expert recommendations, is essential to prevent worsening congestion and make the city’s roads safer and more efficient for all.
