Nighttime Traffic Snarls Haunt SG Road Expansion in Ahemdabad Efforts
SG Road in Ahmedabad, a vital arterial route, is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. However, these improvements appear to be having the opposite effect, as commuters continue to face heavy traffic snarls, especially during the night. The key junctions of Prahladnagar, Mumatpura, and Karnavati Club are particularly prone to congestion, with traffic jams reaching peak levels between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm daily. These periods of chaos, lasting anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, are exacerbated by ongoing construction work and the lack of traffic personnel to manage the flow.
The traffic issues are largely a result of the convergence of vehicles from multiple directions, made worse by space constraints caused by the ongoing construction. With limited lanes and detours, drivers are forced to navigate through a maze of makeshift routes. The absence of traffic police during these crucial hours further complicates the situation, leading to frequent bottlenecks and long delays. The situation highlights a crucial gap in planning, where infrastructure improvements, though necessary, are not yet matched by adequate management of traffic flow.
Ongoing Expansion Projects Aimed at Long-Term Relief
SG Road’s expansion, which involves the creation of multiple flyovers and road widening, has been a long-term project. Spearheaded by a collaborative effort between the Gujarat state government’s Roads and Buildings department, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the project aims to address the pressing need for smoother traffic flow on this important route. With more than five years of work already behind it, SG Road is on its way to becoming a six-lane highway stretching from Nana Chiloda to Sarkhej. The completion of several flyovers, including those at Khodiyar, Pakwan, Vaishnodevi, and Sola, has provided some relief. Yet, with ongoing works, traffic remains a daily struggle for commuters.
Senior officials from AMC have highlighted that new flyover constructions are in progress, including a significant one spanning the Karnavati-YMCA stretch, which will directly impact the Prahladnagar and Mumatpura junctions. Once completed, these flyovers are expected to reduce congestion significantly by allowing uninterrupted traffic movement. Another flyover at Gota, extending through Chharodi and connecting to Nirma, is also underway, and it will eventually form part of a continuous flyover network stretching 15 km up to the Narmada Canal. These improvements are anticipated to drastically reduce the notorious traffic delays faced by commuters on SG Road.
The Human Impact: Citizens Pay the Price for Development
Despite the long-term benefits promised by these expansions, the ongoing chaos is taking a toll on the daily lives of residents and commuters. For many, the daily ordeal of sitting in traffic has become a source of frustration, stress, and wasted time. Families, professionals, and students, who rely on SG Road for their daily commute, are forced to endure longer travel times, which diminishes their quality of life. The city’s growing population and influx of vehicles are also contributing to the issue, as demand for road space exceeds supply, making the existing traffic problems even worse.
From an emotional standpoint, the persistent traffic problems on SG Road not only create physical strain but also psychological stress for commuters, particularly those stuck in jams at night. With the rapid urbanisation of Ahmedabad and increased economic activities, infrastructure development must be matched by efficient traffic management to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s residents. Without addressing these challenges holistically, the benefits of road expansions may not be fully realised.
Sustainability Concerns: A Road to a Green Future?
While the construction of flyovers and road widening are critical steps toward modernising Ahmedabad’s infrastructure, there are important sustainability considerations to take into account. The ongoing construction contributes to increased air pollution due to heavy vehicular emissions, a concern that has been growing in urban areas worldwide. Additionally, road expansion projects often lead to the destruction of green spaces, further exacerbating environmental issues such as heat islands and reduced air quality.
The city’s approach to addressing these problems should be twofold: first, by accelerating the completion of the expansion works to relieve traffic congestion; and second, by integrating sustainability practices into the planning and execution of these projects. This could include increasing the availability of green spaces, enhancing public transport options to reduce private vehicle dependence, and ensuring that the city’s urbanisation is more in tune with environmental preservation. Sustainable urban planning, alongside efficient traffic management, could be the key to creating a thriving, resilient, and well-connected Ahmedabad.
