The construction of the Makarba Railway Overbridge (ROB) in Ahmedabad, which began on September 30, 2022, with an initial deadline of November 30, 2024, has now exceeded its timeline by nearly one and a half years. The project remains incomplete, causing significant inconvenience to local residents.
Reasons for the Delay
An official from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), speaking on the condition of anonymity, cited multiple reasons for the delay. During construction, a drainage line collapsed, requiring time for repairs. Additionally, obtaining approval from the railway department for work over the railway track was delayed. However, the official confirmed that the bridge is now expected to be completed by July 2026, with plans to open it for public use by the end of that month.
Progress and Future Impact
The AMC's engineering department, in coordination with railway authorities, has completed the launching of 12 steel composite girders for the overbridge. With this milestone achieved, the next phase of construction is expected to accelerate, significantly improving connectivity between western parts of Ahmedabad such as Makarba, Vejalpur Corporate Road, and the SG Highway area. Once operational, the bridge is anticipated to reduce daily traffic congestion on SG Highway and Vejalpur Corporate Road, ensuring smoother and faster commuting for citizens. The project is expected to directly benefit over one lakh residents. Currently, long wait times at the railway crossing result in frequent traffic snarls, a problem expected to ease considerably once the bridge becomes operational.
Project Details and Cost
The estimated project cost for the Makarba Railway Overbridge was approved at Rs 87.25 crore, against which a tender worth Rs 70.7 crore was awarded. The bridge is being constructed over a 40-metre-wide road connecting Torrent Power Makarba to Corporate Road on SG Highway in Vejalpur, with a total length of 636.9 metres. The project includes the construction of a four-lane railway overbridge with a carriageway width of 15.5 metres within an overall width of 16.4 metres.
