The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is gearing up to float a tender for a major infrastructure project that has raised eyebrows due to its staggering budget. The civic body plans to restore the aging Subhash Bridge and construct two new two-lane bridges on either side of it. While the new construction is estimated at Rs 140 crore, the restoration cost for the existing bridge alone is a whopping Rs 110 crore.
A Restoration Cost Higher Than New Builds
This restoration budget has drawn significant attention as it exceeds the total cost of five new flyover or railway overbridge projects currently under construction in the city. An AMC source highlighted the disparity, stating that the estimated cost for Subhash Bridge's revival is also higher than the total project cost of many major infrastructure projects inaugurated or ongoing in Ahmedabad between 2019-20 and 2025-26.
The source provided a detailed comparison to put the figure in perspective:
- Income Tax flyover: Rs 65.5 crore
- Anjali flyover: Rs 92.5 crore
- Rajendra Park flyover: Rs 70.7 crore
- Pallav Junction flyover: Rs 104.2 crore
- Sims Hospital bridge: Rs 59 crore
- Ajit Mill flyover: Rs 50 crore
- Naroda GIDC bridge: Rs 89.2 crore
The total cost per project for all these bridges is less than the Rs 110 crore earmarked for Subhash Bridge's restoration, the source emphasized.
Comparing Costs with Ongoing City Projects
AMC officials also cited other contemporary projects to underline the scale of the Subhash Bridge budget. These include the Sattadhar flyover bridge (Rs 81.5 crore), Bhavani railway overbridge (Rs 66.7 crore), and Makarba railway overbridge (Rs 80.6 crore). Furthermore, the Panjrapole flyover bridge work is underway at Rs 78.6 crore, and the Vadaj flyover project costs Rs 107.9 crore.
The decision to undertake this expensive restoration stems from a critical safety concern. On December 4, authorities observed a crack in the bridge deck and settlement in the superstructure. Prioritizing public safety, the AMC immediately decided to close the bridge to all traffic.
Why is Restoring a Bridge More Expensive Than Building a New One?
The high price tag for the restoration work is not arbitrary. An AMC source explained the technical and logistical challenges that drive up the cost. Restoring a river bridge, especially when there is water in the river, is inherently more difficult and expensive than constructing a new bridge on land. The existing structure requires meticulous assessment, specialized techniques for repair, and methods to prevent further damage during the process.
Moreover, the restoration must be executed in a manner that fortifies the bridge against future deterioration, adding to the complexity and expense. The project is not just a patch-up job but a comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure long-term structural integrity and safety for one of Ahmedabad's key river crossings.
As the AMC prepares the tender documents, the project underscores the significant investment required to maintain and upgrade critical urban infrastructure, balancing historical utility with modern safety standards.
