The Gujarat government has informed the state assembly that the highly anticipated Rs 1,295.3 crore Vishala-Sarkhej bridge project, which aims to connect Vishala Circle to Sarkhej, is expected to be completed by 2027. This ambitious infrastructure project is set to significantly improve connectivity from South Gujarat to Saurashtra, addressing long-standing traffic congestion issues in the region.
The bridge project, spanning a distance of 10.6 kilometers, is part of the state’s broader effort to modernise its transport network. It includes a six-lane elevated corridor, making it one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in Gujarat’s recent history. The completion of this bridge will offer relief to thousands of daily commuters currently facing traffic gridlocks, especially on the Vishala-Sarkhej route, which has become notorious for its overcrowding.
Despite the project’s potential to ease traffic woes, it has not been without controversy. During a session in the Gujarat Assembly, Congress MLA Imran Khedawala raised concerns about the prolonged delays surrounding the demolition of the Hatkeshwar bridge, another infrastructure project in the city. These issues were further compounded by remarks made by state minister Jagdish Vishwakarma regarding encroachments along the Vishala-Sarkhej project route.
According to Vishwakarma, more than 700 food carts, 1,200 illegally parked autorickshaws, and several other encroachments, including auto garages and religious structures, are obstructing the construction process. He controversially singled out one particular community for responsibility, a statement that drew swift objections from Congress MLAs. Shailesh Parmar, another Congress legislator, accused the state government of targeting a specific community, questioning whether the project was being built for the benefit of one group alone.
Khedawala also raised concerns over the minister’s comments, alleging that part of the minister’s office was built illegally, further fueling tensions in the assembly. While the Speaker disallowed a point of order raised by Khedawala on the issue, the political squabble cast a shadow over the project’s progress.
Nevertheless, the government remains focused on the bridge’s completion, with officials emphasizing the importance of the project in solving the growing traffic problems in the region. The introduction of a 16-lane road system, which includes the elevated corridor, is expected to improve traffic flow significantly and facilitate smoother connectivity between Vishala and Sarkhej.
The government’s decision to fast-track the project and remove encroachments has been seen as essential to ensuring the timely completion of this major infrastructure development. However, the political and social disputes that have emerged highlight the complexities of large-scale urban projects in a growing metropolis like Gandhinagar. The success of this project will depend not only on the resolution of these issues but also on the ability of local authorities to manage the political challenges that come with such ambitious developments.
