Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Greenlights Major Bridge Project to Alleviate Traffic Woes
Ahmedabad: In a significant move to address chronic traffic issues, the standing committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has given its approval to a substantial Rs 236 crore proposal. This plan focuses on the comprehensive restoration of the aging Subhash Bridge, coupled with the construction of two new parallel two-lane bridges on either side. The initiative aims to significantly enhance traffic flow across the Sabarmati river, which has been severely disrupted since the bridge's closure.
Timeline and Details of the Restoration and Construction Work
According to AMC officials, the restoration and repair efforts on the existing Subhash Bridge are slated for completion within a nine-month period following the issuance of the work order to the selected contractor. In contrast, the construction of the two new bridges is projected to take approximately 24 months, indicating a phased approach to improving connectivity. The civic body initially floated a short tender for this ambitious project in December 2025, after announcing its restoration plans. However, the tender process had to be cancelled due to insufficient participation, with only one bidder coming forward. The proposal was subsequently re-tendered, and the second short tender, valued at Rs 236 crore, was finalized and officially approved during Thursday's standing committee meeting.
Background and Structural Assessment of Subhash Bridge
Originally constructed in 1973 by the AMC, Subhash Bridge spans 453.75 meters in length and 12.85 meters in width. It was urgently closed to all traffic on December 4, 2025, after alarming reports of cracks and settlement were detected in the span above pillar 9. Following this closure, detailed inspections of both the superstructure and foundation of the bridge were conducted with expert assistance from prestigious institutions, including SVNIT Surat, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Based on their thorough assessment, the AMC made the strategic decision to not only restore the existing bridge but also to build two additional bridges, thereby strengthening overall connectivity across the Sabarmati river.
Impact on Traffic and Local Infrastructure
The closure of Subhash Bridge for nearly three months has led to increased traffic congestion in key areas such as RTO Circle, Vadaj Circle, and the eastern stretch of the Sabarmati riverfront road. Officials have assured that traffic will resume on the existing bridge once the restoration work is completed, providing much-needed relief to commuters. In a related development, the demolition work of the 'substandard' Hatkeshwar Bridge in Khokhra has been temporarily halted. This delay stems from the pending approval of a traffic diversion plan required for effective management during the demolition process. Officials emphasized that demolition of the main slab can only begin after this plan is cleared, as a 7.5-meter-wide open road on both sides of the bridge is necessary for smooth vehicular movement. Additionally, the proposed demolition method is also awaiting clearance, further contributing to the delay.
Community Concerns and Protests Over Hatkeshwar Bridge
The suspension of demolition work at Hatkeshwar Bridge has triggered protests from local residents, who have expressed deep concerns over the bridge's precarious condition. Former corporator George Dias highlighted the dangerous state of the structure, warning that it could lead to accidents if not dismantled promptly. He alleged that non-payment to the contractor has exacerbated the situation, and demanded immediate action to ensure public safety. This underscores the broader challenges in urban infrastructure management faced by the AMC as it navigates multiple projects to improve Ahmedabad's transportation network.
