Ahmedabad’s vision of a sustainable, carbon-conscious transport system was jolted on Thursday as metro services between Apparel Park and Old High Court stations were suspended for nearly seven hours.
The disruption was triggered by the theft of nearly 500 metres of critical power cables near Shahpur station, plunging a major section of the east-west corridor into darkness and stranding thousands of commuters during peak morning hours.
The incident unfolded when the first metro train of the day, travelling from Vastral to Thaltej Gam, passed Shahpur and encountered a sudden power outage. Though the train managed to glide safely past the affected section using its residual momentum, authorities immediately halted operations to prevent further risk. The theft, which reportedly involved over 20 lengths of copper cable, led to a rapid deployment of maintenance crews and emergency protocols. Services between Vastral Gam and Apparel Park, and from Old High Court to Thaltej Gam, continued in split operations. However, the central segment remained suspended until replacement cables were successfully installed and services resumed around 1:30 PM.
The disruption had far-reaching consequences. Students, office-goers, and traders heading to the Walled City, Gujarat University, and other urban nodes were left scrambling for alternatives. Many were forced to rely on auto-rickshaws, buses, and private vehicles, resulting in overcrowded roads and delayed arrivals. A college student from Vastral recalled being forced to disembark and arrange costly private transport to reach her destination. Equally concerning was the lapse in communication. Several commuters expressed frustration over the absence of timely announcements or updates from metro staff. Despite the halt in operations, tickets continued to be issued for affected routes in the early hours, compounding confusion and commuter anger. Authorities later acknowledged the delay in disseminating information and promised improvements in future crisis response mechanisms.
The cable theft has raised serious questions about the vulnerability of urban transport infrastructure in a city aspiring to be a model of green mobility. Power cables essential to daily operations were left exposed to tampering, exposing a critical security gap. With each metre of cable valued in thousands, the financial loss is estimated to be close to ₹9 lakh. City planners and sustainability advocates argue that while Ahmedabad’s metro remains a key component of its eco-friendly transport network, stronger safeguards and real-time communication channels are essential. In an era where cities aim to reduce carbon footprints and promote public transport as a green alternative, the reliability and safety of such infrastructure are non-negotiable.
As the city moves towards a smarter, more sustainable urban future, this incident serves as both a warning and an opportunity. A secure, well-maintained, and trusted metro system is vital—not just for reducing road congestion and emissions, but for building equitable, accessible cities that place the commuter at their core.
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