Ahmedabad’s Municipal Corporation Faces Allegations for Altered Bridge Designs and Liability Terms
Ahmedabad’s urban development agenda is under intense scrutiny following serious allegations of systemic irregularities in the construction of eight key bridges across the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) stands accused of altering designs, compromising defect liability periods, and changing project directions, leading to significant cost escalations and prolonged delays. This critical examination of public infrastructure projects highlights a pressing need for enhanced fiscal prudence and transparent project management to ensure sustainable and equitable urban growth for all citizens.
The core of the allegations centres on a pattern of deviation from initial plans and expert recommendations. For instance, at the Income Tax junction, a four-lane flyover suggested by the CRRI-CSIR report was reportedly expanded to a five-lane structure by the AMC. Similarly, the Ranip-GST crossing flyover, conceptualised in 2013, faced delays due to issues concerning land compensation for a crucial 5,000 square metre railway plot. Further compounding concerns, the design for the Ajit Mill junction flyover was allegedly altered mid-project due to an underlying main water trunk line, necessitating costly and time-consuming modifications. These instances collectively point to a lack of comprehensive preliminary planning or a disregard for initial expert assessments, resulting in substantial financial implications for the public exchequer.
The fiscal impact of these alleged irregularities is particularly alarming. The Naranpura Pallav junction, where the CRRI-CSIR report had not recommended a flyover but an underpass, saw the construction of a flyover, reportedly incurring an additional expenditure of Rs 18 to 20 crore for underground power lines. Moreover, the Jalaram underpass in Paldi, inaugurated in March 2024, was reportedly incomplete and subsequently closed within hours of its opening, with its cost spiralling from an initial Rs 45 crore to Rs 83 crore. Another contentious issue involves the Sattadhar Junction flyover, where the defect liability period was allegedly reduced from five to three years under pressure, potentially compromising long-term structural integrity and shifting future maintenance burdens onto taxpayers. The Hatkeshwar flyover bridge, unused for 1,000 days and now slated for demolition, stands as a stark symbol of project mismanagement and wasted public funds.
These operational and financial anomalies directly impact the city’s journey towards becoming a truly sustainable and eco-friendly urban centre. Project delays contribute to increased carbon emissions from prolonged construction activities and traffic congestion. Wasted public funds divert resources that could otherwise be invested in green infrastructure, public transport enhancements, or social welfare programmes aimed at fostering gender-neutral and equitable access to urban amenities. The lack of accountability in such large-scale projects erodes public trust and undermines the foundational principles of good governance, which are essential for building resilient and liveable cities.
The ongoing debate within the civic body underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and stricter oversight in public works. While officials have contested the direct relevance of some expert reports to current bridge designs, the persistent pattern of cost overruns, delays, and alleged design alterations demands a thorough and independent investigation. Ensuring that infrastructure projects are meticulously planned, executed with fiscal prudence, and held to rigorous quality and accountability standards is paramount. This commitment to robust governance will not only safeguard public funds but also pave the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive urban future for Ahmedabad.
