Gujarat Infrastructure Delays Cripple Businesses Across Multiple Cities
Across Gujarat, prolonged delays in critical infrastructure projects are imposing severe financial burdens on businesses, disrupting supply chains, and inflating operational costs. From flyover constructions to highway expansions, stalled projects are creating logistical nightmares for traders, transporters, and residents alike.
Godhra Flyover Construction Paralyzes Local Commerce
In Godhra, the ongoing construction of a flyover from Prabha Road to Lalbaug and Civil Hospital has brought commercial activity to a near standstill. Kandarp Shah, a medical and surgical equipment trader, has been forced to hire three-wheel carriers and use two-wheelers for deliveries after trucks were barred from reaching his shop. "The additional spending is on hiring more manpower for distribution of material," rued Shah, highlighting how logistics costs have skyrocketed.
The project, initiated in 2023 by the state's roads and buildings department, shows no signs of completion. Originally planned between Bhagwat Nagar and Lalbaug bus stand, design changes and the addition of a span towards Civil Hospital have caused significant delays. Heavy vehicles have been diverted, forcing businesses to adapt at great expense.
Nimesh Patel, a consumer durables dealer, explained: "We roped in five three-wheel carriers to bring goods to the showroom and then distribute them. This increased overheads in the business." The disruptions have been so severe that transporter Gunjan Shah relocated his office from Kachhiyawad to Bhuravav where trucks can now unload.
Even public transportation has been affected. State transport bus fares were increased by Re 1 to Rs 2 for routes towards Dahod, Zalod, Devgadh Baria, and Santrampur due to a 5.5 km detour to reach the temporary bus stand.
Resident Additional Collector J J Patel revealed that while the flyover was expected to be completed by the end of 2025, it may now take an additional six months. "The delay was due to additions to the project and design changes," Patel confirmed.
Rajkot-Jetpur Highway Expansion Faces Multi-Year Delay
Meanwhile, the 67-km Rajkot–Jetpur highway six-laning project, originally scheduled for completion in June 2024, is now expected to be finished only by early 2027. This prolonged delay is causing significant hardships for commuters and businesses that depend on this busy corridor.
Work on the Rs 1,200-crore road widening project began in August 2022 with a target completion date of June 2024. The deadline was first extended to September 2025 and has now been pushed further to January 2027. The delay has intensified problems on one of the region's most important transport arteries, used by an estimated 2.5 lakh vehicles daily.
The prolonged construction has significantly affected economic activity in key regional centers including Junagadh, Somnath, Porbandar, and Diu. Industrial clusters and trading hubs that rely on the highway for supply and distribution are facing severe logistical challenges. These include:
- The Shapar-Veraval engineering cluster
- The Jetpur saree industry
- Several businesses operating in Junagadh and Veraval
Haresh Bhuva, president of Dhareshwar GIDC in Jetpur, detailed the impact: "We procure raw materials such as chemicals and dyes from different places and send sarees and dresses to markets across India, particularly the eastern region. Due to massive traffic jams on the highway, transportation is getting delayed and our costs are rising."
Abdullah Khan, project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), offered some hope: "We are constructing 30 flyovers on this stretch, of which 12 have already been opened to traffic. We plan to open eight more by the end of this month, which should significantly ease traffic."
Ahmedabad Bridge Demolition Compounds Business Losses
In Ahmedabad, the story of infrastructure woes continues with the Hatkeshwar Bridge in Khokhra. Constructed in 2017 at a cost of Rs 34 crore, the bridge was found to be dilapidated within five years. Vehicular traffic was closed in July 2022, and in July 2023, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation decided to demolish the structure at a cost of Rs 3.9 crore.
The ongoing demolition has severely impacted more than 100 shops and commercial complexes located on both service roads of the bridge. Former councillor George Dais explained: "Commercial complexes and shops are located on both sides of the bridge. Most shops sell clothes, plastic goods and other items. They are all losing business."
One trader revealed the extent of the damage: "Our wholesale cloth shop is located in a complex near Hatkeshwar Bridge, but for the past four years, since the bridge was closed, customers have avoided coming to the area. As a result, our business has dropped by nearly 50%."
Surat Flyover Stalled Due to Land Acquisition Issues
In Surat, the flyover near Rahul Raj Mall in Vesu, meant to connect the area to the barrage bridge over the Tapi river, has remained stalled for over a year. Work progressed on only a 500-metre stretch before halting completely.
The bridge construction began at the end of 2024, but the remaining work has seen little progress since then. Two narrow lanes on either side of the barricaded construction site have been kept open for traffic, but these are frequently encroached upon by roadside eateries during the day, with congestion worsening in the evening.
The situation is aggravated because the main entry of Lalbhai Contractor Stadium lies along the same stretch. Major events at the stadium often draw large crowds, leading to severe traffic snarls in the area.
One frustrated businessman who travels through the area several times daily said: "It is unusual to see such a large stretch kept barricaded for over a year even when construction work has stopped. We are suffering every day."
Officials explained that part of the flyover pillars have already been constructed, making it difficult to remove barricades and fully open the road to traffic. A Surat Municipal Corporation official revealed that the project stalled due to pending land acquisition for the remaining portion connecting to the barrage bridge, but the process is now in its final stages and work will resume soon.
Across Gujarat, these infrastructure delays represent a significant challenge to economic growth and business viability. From increased transportation costs to lost revenue and logistical complications, the human and financial toll of these stalled projects continues to mount with no immediate resolution in sight.
