Ahmedabad's Major Ring Road Upgrade Encounters Planning Hurdle
The ambitious project to transform Ahmedabad's SP Ring Road into a six-lane thoroughfare has hit a significant planning obstacle. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda), after approving the upgrade, has formally requested the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to establish provisions for service roads along the entire 76-kilometer stretch. However, a critical 5-kilometer section passing through non-Town Planning (TP) zones presents a unique challenge, as these areas currently lack any designated service roads.
Navigating the Non-TP Zone Conundrum
An Auda official, speaking under conditions of anonymity, explained the historical context. "In 2006, Auda developed the 76km SP Ring Road on a build-operate-transfer basis. However, at the time, there was no uniformity in the road's width, which varied dramatically from 60 metres to 96 metres in different sections," the official stated. The current six-laning initiative includes a comprehensive plan to acquire and develop service roads encircling the entire SP Ring Road.
An AMC official, also requesting anonymity, clarified the procedural deadlock. "When Auda originally developed the SP Ring Road, TP scheme drafts were meticulously created for the areas it traversed. Presently, over 5km of the SP Ring Road cuts through non-TP areas," the official noted. This absence of formal town planning schemes means the AMC has no legal framework to implement service roads in these specific zones. Consequently, new TP scheme drafts must be formulated and approved before service road development can proceed there.
Phased Implementation and Infrastructure Enhancements
In a strategic move, the corporation has initiated the process of transferring possession of service roads in the remaining 71-kilometer area—where TP schemes are already established—to Auda. "Initially, the possession of service roads in TP scheme areas will be handed over. Subsequently, drafts will be proposed for the non-TP areas to facilitate the provision of service roads," the AMC official elaborated.
Auda has greenlit two substantial tenders, collectively valued at Rs 2,200 crore, for the monumental upgrade. The project will be executed in two distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Focuses on upgrading the 37-kilometer eastern stretch of the SP Ring Road.
- Phase 2: Will revamp the 39.2-kilometer western stretch.
The service road development is a cornerstone of this project. Existing two-lane service roads will be expanded to four lanes across 34 kilometers, while three-lane service roads spanning 15 kilometers will also be widened to four lanes. All AMC service roads will be integrated into this expansive development plan.
Major New Infrastructure Additions
The six-laning project encompasses several significant infrastructure enhancements designed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety:
- New River Bridges: Auda plans to construct two new three-lane bridges adjacent to the existing bridges over the Sabarmati river at Bhat and Kamod.
- Underpass Construction: Three new six-lane underpasses will be built at key junctions: Bhat Circle, Chiloda Circle, and Aslali Circle on the SP Ring Road.
- Pedestrian Safety: To facilitate safe crossings, six new foot overbridges will be erected along the SP Ring Road.
Toll Collection and Financial Model Transition
A pivotal change accompanies this upgrade. According to the new tender specifications, the current concessionaire company's toll collection authority is set to expire on December 31, 2026. Under the revised tender formula, Auda will assume direct responsibility for toll collection on the SP Ring Road. Following the completion of the six-lane upgrade, toll rates are scheduled for a revision. The contractor companies engaged in developing the road will receive annuity payments on a semi-annual basis, ensuring a steady financial model for the project's execution and maintenance.
