A recent study by Urban Labs, an Ahmedabad-based research organisation has identified Ambawadi and Shyamal crossroads as two of the city’s most challenging junctions, citing traffic congestion, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and confusing navigation as major concerns.
Shyamal Crossroads, a busy four-arm junction, faces severe pedestrian safety issues due to narrow footpaths and unregulated on-street parking. The study highlights how excessively wide free left-turn lanes, originally designed to ease congestion, are often misused, leading to erratic traffic flow.
Ambawadi Junction presents different issues, with its vast width and lack of proper chandeliers, resulting in disorganised traffic movement and frequent wrong-side driving. The study also notes that its irregular alignment reduces visibility, forcing drivers to turn their entire necks to check for oncoming traffic, increasing accident risks.
Urban Labs recommends infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian-friendly pathways, structured traffic management, and redesigned junction layouts to ensure smoother and safer commutes. As Ahmedabad’s traffic burden continues to grow, addressing these concerns remains crucial for urban mobility.