Ahmedabad Opposition Slams AMC Over Faulty Flyover Design, Warns of Worsening Traffic Bottlenecks
The Leader of the Opposition in Ahmedabad has launched a scathing critique against the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), accusing it of exacerbating traffic congestion through what he describes as faulty and poorly planned infrastructure projects. In a heated session of the AMC general board held on Wednesday, Shehzad Khan Pathan highlighted how new flyovers and central verges are ironically creating fresh bottlenecks instead of alleviating the city's notorious traffic woes.
Flyovers Turning into Traffic Nightmares
Pathan pointed out that several newly constructed flyovers are ending abruptly near busy junctions, a design flaw that is counterproductive to smooth traffic flow. He emphasized that junctions emerging just metres after flyover exits are transforming into new congestion hotspots, causing significant delays even for emergency vehicles like ambulances during peak hours. According to his assessment, at least ten major points across Ahmedabad have become severely congested due to this haphazard planning approach.
Identified Congestion Hotspots Across the City
The Opposition leader specifically flagged the following locations as critical traffic bottlenecks:
- Sabarmati Riverfront–Wadaj Crematorium T-junction
- Damru Circle in Ghatlodia
- Usmanpura Crossroads
- Jivraj Mehta Junction
- Vastrapur Gamthal Road
- RTO Circle
- Navrangpura Railway Crossing
- Hardas Bapu Chowk in Bapunagar
- Umiya Hall T-junction in Chandlodia
- Akhbarnagar Circle
Pathan also issued a warning about the CN Vidyalaya T-junction, predicting it could become a major future bottleneck once the ongoing Panjrapole and Panchvati flyovers are completed. He noted that both these bridges descend onto the same corridor, potentially creating a perfect storm for gridlock.
Broader Criticisms of AMC's Traffic Management
Beyond the immediate flyover issues, the Opposition raised concerns about the AMC's overall traffic planning strategy. They criticized the corporation for its lack of long-term vision, absence of a comprehensive junction development policy, and the persistent problem of on-street parking on narrow roads. Pathan argued that these factors collectively contribute to worsening congestion, which in turn is escalating air pollution levels in the city, creating a dual environmental and public health crisis.
The allegations underscore a growing frustration among residents and officials regarding urban planning in Ahmedabad, with calls for more sustainable and well-thought-out infrastructure solutions to tackle the city's escalating traffic challenges.
