The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's ambitious plan to widen a three-kilometer stretch from Shahibaug Dafnala to Airport Circle into a 30-meter Iconic Road has been stalled for nearly a year and a half due to lack of necessary approvals. The project was initially cleared by the AMC without securing permission from the Army Cantonment, which owns the land. As a result, the widening work cannot proceed.
Current Road Condition
At present, the stretch has an uneven width, varying from approximately 24 meters in some sections to 30 meters or more in others. Since widening is off the table for now, the municipal corporation has shifted its focus to redesigning the existing carriageway to improve its appearance and functionality.
Revised Plan
Before any surface work begins, the AMC plans to lay a stormwater line first. An AMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained the situation: "The existing road from Shahibaug Dafnala to Airport Circle is not a TP road. It is owned by the Army Cantonment, which has not granted permission to widen it. The plan now is to develop the existing road as an Iconic Road without widening."
The delay highlights the challenges of infrastructure projects when land ownership disputes arise. The AMC is now working within the constraints of the current road width, aiming to enhance its aesthetics and drainage system while awaiting a resolution with the Army authorities.
