The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to take charge of the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar (SG) Road after extensive deliberations with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This long-awaited handover marks a crucial step in the city’s urban infrastructure strategy, coming after years of delays and public discontent over the road’s deteriorating condition.
SG Road, one of Ahmedabad’s most critical arteries, has been the subject of civic concern for nearly a decade. Citizens have repeatedly voiced complaints regarding potholes, road damage, and non-functional streetlights, issues that were routinely directed at AMC despite the road being under NHAI’s purview. However, the tragic car crash on Iskcon Bridge in 2023, involving Tathya Patel, rekindled discussions around safety and the need for localised management of this crucial thoroughfare. The NHAI, in collaboration with the state’s roads and buildings department, has been undertaking significant upgrades on the SG Road, including the construction of two new flyovers. This comes as part of a larger Rs 1,000 crore initiative to improve traffic flow and ensure safer commutes on one of Ahmedabad’s busiest roads. With the Karnavati Club to YMCA Club flyover and the Gota Flyover Bridge to Vaishnodevi Junction projects nearing completion, the road’s formal handover to AMC is imminent.
This transfer is expected to allow more efficient maintenance and faster response to civic complaints, given AMC’s closer engagement with city residents. Once under AMC’s control, the civic body will be responsible for the upkeep, ensuring the road meets the city’s infrastructure and safety standards. From a sustainability perspective, this transition presents an opportunity for AMC to implement environmentally conscious strategies in road management. The focus can now shift toward greener infrastructure, including the use of sustainable materials for repairs and the implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems. With increased vehicular traffic in Ahmedabad, sustainable road maintenance practices could significantly reduce the carbon footprint and enhance road safety through better design and modernised infrastructure.
Additionally, this development highlights a broader civic issue concerning urban management in India. With rapidly expanding cities, local municipal bodies like AMC are often better positioned to handle infrastructure projects that require a direct, immediate response to urban challenges. The NHAI’s role is more suited for highways and intercity roads, making this handover a critical step toward decentralised governance for Ahmedabad’s local infrastructure. The SG Road handover is more than just a change in management—it’s a vital move towards sustainable, responsive, and citizen-focused urban development, signalling a potential model for other cities across India facing similar infrastructural challenges.
For the local residents of Ahmedabad, this change comes with a renewed hope for safer and more reliable road infrastructure. The long wait for better upkeep may soon be over, as AMC takes over with promises of swifter and more efficient maintenance. This move is a step towards addressing the growing frustrations among citizens, many of whom had seen road safety deteriorate. It is a development that connects directly with the everyday lives of commuters, residents, and businesses relying on SG Road for daily connectivity and transport. On the sustainability front, the handover opens the door for integrating eco-friendly practices in urban road management. AMC can now introduce sustainable materials, reduce waste in construction processes, and implement energy-efficient lighting along the route. By doing so, the city can move towards a greener future, setting an example for other Indian cities grappling with the environmental impact of rapid urbanisation. This shift highlights how sustainable urban planning and infrastructure can positively affect both the environment and the citizens who depend on these roads daily.
