Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Greenlights Major Road Redesign Projects
In a significant move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved a fresh set of road redesign projects worth Rs 334.38 crore across 12 stretches in western Ahmedabad. This decision comes barely a month after halting six similar projects due to the absence of a citywide footpath policy, highlighting ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and regulatory frameworks.
Approval Amidst Policy Vacuum
The approvals were granted as part of a larger Rs 589-crore infrastructure package, cleared just as the elected wing completed its five-year term. On March 5, the AMC standing committee sanctioned road projects totaling Rs 589 crore, which included Rs 255 crore for the Narol Circle–Naroda Patiya corridor and Rs 334.38 crore for the 12 roads under Thematic Precinct Phase-1. These corridors are strategically located within metro, sports, and education precincts, aimed at bolstering infrastructure around transit nodes, sports venues, and academic hubs.
The redesign focuses on creating wider footpaths, service lanes, green buffers, and shared public spaces. However, it has sparked concerns about reduced space for vehicles, potentially exacerbating traffic congestion in peak hours. Despite these worries, AMC officials argue that the new layouts will improve traffic flow through clearer kerb designs, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, and dedicated service lanes, with on-street parking notably excluded from the plans.
Contrast with Previous Interventions
This approval contrasts sharply with recent actions by former standing committee chairman Devang Dani. On January 21, Dani inspected a redesigned connector between CG Road and Mithakhali Circle and ordered work to stop. The design, with an 18-meter right-of-way, allocated 9 meters to footpaths and utilities, leaving only 9 meters for vehicle movement. He subsequently extended the halt to six roads in the Law Garden-Mithakhali area, part of a Rs 100-crore package, directing the municipal commissioner to frame and approve a footpath policy before any new works could proceed.
A senior AMC official noted, "He directed the municipal commissioner to frame and approve a footpath policy before green-lighting any new works." Despite this directive and the policy still being awaited, the committee has now cleared the 12 new projects, raising questions about consistency in urban planning decisions.
Financial and Design Details
The AMC's initial estimate for these works was Rs 294.14 crore, but the tenders approved amount to Rs 334.38 crore, indicating a cost escalation. One of the most notable changes will occur on University Road. Currently, the road is 36 meters wide, with a 29-meter carriageway and 5-meter footpaths on both sides. Under the redesign, the carriageway will be reduced to 21 meters, while footpaths will expand to 7 meters, accompanied by additional shared public spaces, seating areas, and organized auto stands.
Motorists and traders in affected areas have voiced concerns that narrower carriageways could worsen peak-hour congestion. However, AMC officials maintain that the redesigned corridors are expected to enhance overall traffic management and pedestrian safety.
Broader Implications
This development underscores the challenges in balancing rapid urban infrastructure growth with necessary policy frameworks. As Ahmedabad continues to expand, such projects highlight the need for cohesive planning to ensure sustainable and efficient city development. The approval of these road works without a finalized footpath policy may set a precedent for future projects, potentially impacting long-term urban livability and traffic dynamics in the region.
