The abrupt shutdown of Subhash Bridge in Ahmedabad, mandated by urgent structural safety concerns, has plunged the city's commuters and traffic management system into a state of severe disruption. Authorities anticipate the traffic nightmare to persist for at least six months, compelling the police department to seek a significant reinforcement of 245 to 250 additional personnel to manage the ensuing congestion.
Police Brace for Prolonged Gridlock at Key Junctions
Senior city police officials confirmed to TOI that the closure was expected to cause severe snarls across multiple arterial routes. A senior police officer stated that stretches like Vadaj Circle would require continuous monitoring, with significant weekday jams anticipated. In response, a round-the-clock deployment of traffic police, Traffic Brigade (TRB), and home guards has been initiated at 17 critical points identified as potential bottlenecks.
These key locations include:
- Power House Crossroads
- Chimanbhai Patel Bridge
- Ranip D-Mart
- Vadaj crematorium turn
- Meldi Mata Circle
- Kendriya Vidyalaya turn
Officials have strongly urged commuters to avoid travelling during peak hours to help alleviate the pressure on the crippled network.
Commuters Grapple with Complex Detours and Delays
The bridge served as a vital lifeline, connecting west Ahmedabad to the northern and eastern parts of the city, including crucial destinations like the airport, Shahibaug, Civil Hospital, and Asarwa. Its closure has forced commuters onto lengthy and complicated alternative routes.
Vijay Jhala, a senior sales executive, voiced a common concern, worrying about his Monday commute from Gandhinagar to Shahibaug for a 10:15 AM presentation. His predicament underscores the widespread impact on daily travel.
For vehicles originating from Chandkheda and Sabarmati and heading towards Shahibaug, the new mandated detour is extensive. They must now travel via Chimanbhai Patel Bridge, Prabodh Rawal Circle, Ranip D-Mart, Vadaj Circle, Dadhichi Bridge, and Delhi Darwaza before finally proceeding to Shahibaug.
Police have issued specific route recommendations for other major destinations:
- For Civil Hospital: Use Bhat-Koteshwar Road, Indira Bridge, and Airport Road.
- For Shahibaug commuters moving west: Use the railway bridge or the Shahibaug underpass.
The coming months will test the patience of Ahmedabad's residents as the city adapts to this major infrastructural setback, with traffic authorities working overtime to mitigate the chaos.
