Ahmedabad’s urban landscape is set to witness a significant infrastructural development with the approval of the Thaltej road expansion project. In a recent standing committee meeting, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) gave the green light to widen the 300-metre long and 12-metre wide stretch from Thaltej crossroads to Thaltej Gam by an additional 7.5 metres on both sides. The move, while essential for improving traffic flow, comes with the high cost of displacing 188 properties, which include 93 residential homes, 75 commercial units, and 17 open plots.
The affected property owners will be compensated with Transferable Development Rights (TDR), a policy that was previously implemented during the road widening in Vastrapur village. The standing committee chairman assured residents that TDR will allow them to recuperate their losses by granting development rights that can be used or sold in the future. This decision comes after an earlier plan, which proposed a 36-metre widening, was scaled down due to concerns over the extensive impact on local residents. Presently, the 12-metre wide road struggles to accommodate the increasing traffic, particularly with metro pillars obstructing vehicle flow, leading to bottlenecks and congestion. The expansion aims to alleviate these challenges and improve the area’s traffic efficiency.
From an urban planning perspective, this expansion reflects Ahmedabad’s growing need for upgraded infrastructure. However, the demolition of homes and businesses raises significant concerns regarding displacement and its social impact. Many residents are likely to face emotional and financial stress despite the promise of TDR compensation, as relocation efforts may disrupt their lives and livelihoods. In parallel, the AMC has also approved a proposal to widen the road from Indulal Yagnik Hall to Mansa Mosque in Asarwa, which will impact 101 properties, including 78 commercial units. Similar to Thaltej, these residents and businesses will also receive TDR compensation.
While urban growth is inevitable, sustainability advocates argue that expansions such as these must carefully consider the environmental and social repercussions. Widening roads to accommodate more vehicles addresses traffic issues in the short term, but may encourage higher vehicle usage, counteracting efforts to promote public transport or non-motorised mobility. The expansion should be aligned with sustainable urban development goals, balancing infrastructure improvements with long-term environmental impacts and equitable relocation practices. The Thaltej road expansion highlights the growing tension between urban development and community welfare. While the project seeks to resolve traffic congestion—a major civic issue—by increasing road capacity, the displacement of nearly 200 properties raises questions about how such projects are planned. Residents are left grappling with uncertainty, even as urban development authorities assure them of compensation. The project’s success will depend on how efficiently the AMC balances infrastructural needs with the concerns of affected communities.
