Ahmedabad’s Municipal Corporation Faces Allegations for Altered
Ahmedabad commuters are facing significant traffic disruptions as the National Highway Division (Ahmedabad) commences critical construction on an elevated corridor (flyover) along the bustling Sarkhej-Gandhinagar (SG) Highway. This major infrastructure upgrade, extending from Karnavati Club to YMCA Club, is projected to last for approximately six months and will necessitate substantial traffic diversions and partial road closures. The project underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing urban mobility, though it simultaneously presents a considerable challenge for the thousands of daily commuters navigating this vital artery linking western Ahmedabad to key industrial and residential zones.
The construction work, involving the installation of girders atop already erected bridge pillars, will proceed continuously over a 24-hour cycle to ensure timely completion. As a direct consequence, a 100-metre stretch of the one-way carriageway on SG Highway, specifically between Karnavati Club and YMCA Club, will remain inaccessible to vehicular traffic for the entire six-month duration. This strategic closure, while essential for the structural integrity and safety of the flyover’s construction, demands significant adjustments from the public and efficient management from traffic authorities.
To mitigate the anticipated congestion and maintain vehicular flow, the traffic department has meticulously outlined a detailed diversion plan. Vehicles, encompassing both light and heavy categories, travelling from Sanand and Sarkhej intending to access the SG Highway will now be rerouted. Commuters are advised to take a detour via the YMCA Club, execute a left turn at Bhagwan Circle, followed by a right from Zaveri (Chakri) Circle, and then another right near Karnavati Club to successfully rejoin the SG Highway. Conversely, the road from ISKCON junction towards Sarkhej will remain partially open, offering some relief within the affected corridor. Such temporary realignments, while unavoidable, can place considerable stress on daily commuter routines and local businesses.
While the immediate impact presents operational challenges, this infrastructure project is poised to deliver long-term benefits to Ahmedabad’s urban mobility landscape. Elevated corridors are designed to alleviate chronic traffic bottlenecks, reduce travel times, and enhance road safety, all of which contribute to a more efficient and productive urban environment. From an eco-friendly and sustainable perspective, improved traffic flow can lead to reduced vehicle idling, potentially lowering fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions over time, thereby aligning with the city’s aspirations for a lower carbon footprint.
However, the success of such large-scale projects hinges not only on their ultimate utility but also on the efficiency of their execution and the effectiveness of public communication during the construction phase. Adhering strictly to the six-month timeline is paramount to minimise prolonged public inconvenience and the associated economic ripple effects. This project serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in urban planning: delivering critical infrastructure upgrades while diligently managing the temporary disruptions to daily life, ultimately ensuring that development contributes holistically to a zero net carbon, equitable, and smoothly functioning urban landscape.
