Residents of Ahmedabad’s Maninagar staged protests on Wednesday against demolition notices issued by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for an overbridge project near the Maninagar railway crossing, close to the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The civic body has announced road widening in the central zone as part of the overbridge construction. However, locals argue that both the land and existing structures are legally owned. Around 300–350 properties in the area have reportedly received notices.
“The area is home to third and fourth generations, with deep emotional ties. While some are losing portions of their compounds, others face the loss of their entire homes,” said resident and advocate Aditya Bhatt.
Residents propose alternatives
Locals have suggested implementing a “no-crossing” system instead of constructing the overbridge. They pointed out that traffic was managed effectively through alternate routes when the railway crossing was temporarily shut for additional track work and the bullet train project.
“People commuted smoothly even when the crossing was closed, without major disruption,” Bhatt added.
While maintaining that they are not opposed to development, residents insist it should not come at the cost of losing homes and properties, especially when traffic issues could be addressed by restricting crossing access.
They also claimed that the current congestion is partly due to the demolition of the Hatkeshwar bridge, and traffic conditions are expected to improve once that work is completed.
Temple, homes under threat
The proposed project is also expected to impact the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a prominent local landmark, with parts of its compound and elevated structure likely to be affected.
In protest, residents have put up banners outside their homes, stating they do not want the bridge if it leads to the loss of their houses and the temple.
Demolition warning issued
The Estate Department’s notice pertains to road widening—from 12 metres to 24.4 metres—along designated Town Planning (TP) roads and adjoining areas.
Authorities have instructed occupants to voluntarily remove structures within the given timeframe. Officials said that measurements and markings have already been completed under the TP scheme, warning that non-compliance will invite strict action.
The notice further states that no objections will be entertained once enforcement begins and urges residents to cooperate with the administration.