Opposition leaders have accused Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials of changing approved designs for several flyovers and underpasses over the past decade without proper approval. They claim that expert recommendations from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) were ignored, leading to delays, increased costs, and design changes.
Expert Advice Ignored
According to a media report,, at least eight major infrastructure projects across Ahmedabad were altered without following CRRI’s suggestions. In one case, CRRI recommended a flyover from Nehrunagar to Gujarat University, but AMC followed a different route based on an IIT-RAM report.
The opposition has demanded action against those responsible for the alleged mismanagement.
Cost Overruns and Delays
- Income Tax Flyover: CRRI recommended a four-lane bridge, but AMC built five lanes, increasing costs from ₹59.59 crore to ₹65.91 crore. An extra ₹10 crore was spent to preserve a Gandhi statue beneath the bridge.
- Ranip Flyover: Delayed by three years due to land issues with Railways. Completion took five years instead of two. The Railways handed over the land only after being paid ₹50 crore.
- Ajit Mill Flyover: Approved at ₹41 crore but final tender was ₹50.30 crore. Work was interrupted after a water pipeline was found below the structure, requiring redesign.
- Pallav Junction: CRRI had advised building an underpass, but a flyover was constructed instead. The cost jumped from ₹64 crore to ₹104.19 crore due to power line relocation and design changes.
Hasty Inaugurations and Safety Issues
- Jalaram Underpass: Inaugurated in 2024 by the CM, but closed within hours due to an unresolved mobile tower issue. Cost rose from ₹45 crore to ₹83 crore.
- Sattadhar Flyover: Approved with a ₹81.49 crore budget. Tender was delayed after contractors objected to a five-year defect liability period, which was later reduced to three years.
- Hatkeshwar Bridge: Built in 2017 for ₹40 crore, it now faces demolition due to structural issues. The opposition is demanding a replacement bridge.
Summary of Projects Under Scrutiny
| Project | Key Issue | Cost Escalation |
|---|---|---|
| Hatkeshwar Bridge | Structural concerns; may be demolished | ₹40 crore |
| Ranip Flyover | Land delay by Railways | + ₹50 crore for land |
| Ajit Mill Flyover | Design change after water line found | ₹41 cr → ₹50.30 cr |
| Pallav Junction | Flyover built instead of underpass | ₹64 cr → ₹104.19 cr |
| Income Tax Flyover | Extra lane & statue feature added | ₹59.59 cr → ₹65.91 cr |
| Panjrapol Flyover | Route changed, CRRI ignored | Not specified |
| Sattadhar Flyover | Tender delay over defect clause | ₹81.49 crore |
| Jalaram Underpass | Inaugurated before clearing tower | ₹45 cr → ₹83 cr |
The AMC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.