In the aftermath of the tragic accident on Iskcon flyover on SG Road, which resulted in nine fatalities on the night of July 20, 2023, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had pledged to enhance surveillance by installing CCTV cameras on all city flyovers and bridges.
Despite this promise, nearly ten months later, the implementation remains incomplete, raising questions about the efficacy and urgency of AMC’s efforts. Out of the 81 flyovers and bridges designated for surveillance upgrades, 70 have been equipped with CCTV systems. However, these systems are currently non-operational. AMC officials have assured that these will be fully functional within the next two months. Presently, only 18 of these 70 bridges are connected to the command-and-control centre, with nine additional connections expected in the coming week.
“After the Iskcon accident, the standing committee discussed installing cameras on bridges during its zero-hour meeting. It resolved to install CCTV cameras on all 81 bridges and flyovers in the city. The AMC commissioner instructed that the necessary budget be used to install these cameras. All CCTV cameras are to be managed by the AMC and monitored from its command-and-control centre. A tender for this work was put in motion,” said an AMC official. The delayed rollout has sparked criticism from various quarters. An unnamed official highlighted that the responsibility for the flyovers on SG Road and other highways lies with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) manages those on SP Ring Road. This division of responsibilities has further complicated the implementation process.
The situation underscores a broader issue of administrative inefficiency and inter-agency coordination. Citizens are increasingly concerned about their safety and the lack of timely action to address surveillance shortfalls. The AMC’s delay in operationalising the CCTV systems not only undermines public trust but also highlights the need for a more streamlined and accountable approach to urban management and public safety. As the city awaits the promised functionality of these surveillance systems, the focus remains on whether the AMC can fulfil its commitment and ensure such delays do not recur, thereby bolstering public confidence in municipal governance and infrastructure safety.
“The other bridges and flyovers are in the AMC’s jurisdiction. Of 81 bridges and flyovers in AMC’s jurisdiction, 70 have been equipped with CCTV systems. These systems require electricity and internet connections to be connected to the control and command centre. So far, CCTV systems for 18 bridges and flyovers have been connected to the control and command centre and nine more will be connected in the next week,” the official said.
