Traffic movement on Ahmedabad’s 76-km SP Ring Road has improved significantly after authorities shut around 40 minor cuts, making most of the stretch signal-free and easing congestion.
Earlier, commuters needed nearly two-and-a-half hours by car and over two hours on two-wheelers to cover the entire Ring Road. After the changes, travel time has reduced sharply to about 50–60 minutes.
Key traffic circles that once saw jams lasting 15–20 minutes are now being cleared in under two minutes. Officials added that daily traffic congestion alerts, which earlier averaged around 20, have now dropped to zero.
Encouraged by the outcome, authorities have begun a similar exercise on SG Highway. Two cuts near Gota and Sola have already been closed, while more closures are being planned at Palladium Mall, ISKCON, YMCA, Prahladnagar, Karnavati Club, and Thaltej after detailed surveys.
22 junctions made signal-free
As part of the initiative, 22 major intersections — including Bopal, Shilaj, Science City, Ognaj, Sindhu Bhavan, Jhundal, Nana Chiloda, Bhadj, Odhav, Vastral, Ramol, Dastan, Jashodanagar, Shantipura, Aslali, Narol, Hathijan, Vatva, Bakrol, Tapovan, Bhat, and Ranasan — have been made signal-free by closing cuts and redesigning traffic flow.
These junctions, once prone to heavy peak-hour congestion, are now witnessing smoother movement.
Fewer accidents at black spots
Authorities also reported a drop in accidents at eight identified black spots — Odhav, Dastan, Aslali, Shantipura, Bopal, Shilaj, Hathijan, and Nana Chiloda.
The improvement has been credited to measures such as closing cuts, introducing free left turns, ensuring signal-free movement, and deploying traffic personnel.
“Traffic jams had become a serious issue due to heavy vehicle volume. After closing the cuts, congestion has reduced significantly and traffic alerts have come down to zero,” said Traffic DCP Naresh Kanajaria.
At present, around 250 traffic personnel have been deployed along the Ring Road to ensure smooth traffic management.