Gujarat Cabinet Greenlights Major Highway Expansion Project
The Gujarat state cabinet has given its official approval for a significant infrastructure upgrade that will transform the crucial Ahmedabad–Mehasana highway. In a meeting held on Wednesday, cabinet members unanimously approved a comprehensive proposal to widen this vital transportation artery from its current four lanes to an impressive eight-lane corridor.
Project Details and Financial Commitment
This ambitious 51-kilometer widening project comes with a substantial financial commitment of approximately Rs 2,630 crore. Government officials have indicated that the construction phase is expected to commence following the tendering process, with a projected completion timeline of two years once work begins.
The upgraded highway will not only feature eight main lanes but will also include substantial service roads measuring 7 meters in width on both sides of the main carriageway. This dual enhancement is designed to accommodate both through traffic and local access needs simultaneously.
Addressing Traffic Congestion Challenges
The decision to expand this crucial highway comes in response to severe traffic challenges along the route. Current daily traffic volume exceeds one lakh vehicles, leading to frequent congestion that impacts both commercial transportation and daily commuters. Once the expansion is complete, travel time between Ahmedabad and Mehasana is projected to decrease significantly from the current 60 minutes to just 45–50 minutes.
State government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani, who briefed reporters after the cabinet meeting, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the project. "The expansion will include an elevated corridor, eight strategically placed flyovers, and eight underpasses at key locations," Vaghani explained.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Improvements
The original Ahmedabad–Mehasana highway was converted to a four-lane configuration back in 1999 and already features service lanes on both sides. The new project represents a substantial upgrade that will address multiple transportation challenges simultaneously.
One of the most significant components involves constructing a 6.1-kilometer elevated corridor specifically designed to ease traffic congestion in Kalol city. This elevated section will connect five overbridges and flyovers, allowing highway traffic to pass through the area without disrupting local city movement patterns.
Vaghani further clarified that all existing overbridges and flyovers along the route will be widened to accommodate eight lanes, while newly constructed structures will also feature eight-lane capacity from the outset.
Strategic Underpass Locations
The project includes underpass construction at eight strategic locations along the highway corridor:
- Two underpasses near Shertha
- One underpass near IFFCO Kalol
- Two underpasses within Kalol city limits
- One underpass near Chhatral
- One underpass near Nandasan
- One underpass near Ganeshpura
Regional Development Benefits
"Upon completion, people from Mehasana, Patan, and Banaskantha districts in North Gujarat will benefit significantly from this infrastructure improvement," Vaghani stated. The enhanced connectivity is expected to boost economic development, improve transportation efficiency, and provide substantial relief to commuters who currently face daily congestion challenges.
This major infrastructure initiative represents one of the most significant highway expansion projects in Gujarat in recent years and demonstrates the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure to support economic growth and regional development.
