The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to reconstruct the busy Shahibaug Underpass at an estimated cost of ₹24.81 crore as part of its infrastructure upgrade programme. The tendering process is underway, and work is expected to begin within the next two to three months.
The reconstruction is likely to start in October, with the underpass expected to remain closed for nearly two years until the project is completed.Key changes in the new designThe redesigned underpass aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. Major features include:Two new two-lane parallel roads on either side of the railway line, connecting the Police Commissioner’s Office side and Astodia.
A completely underground underpass.The width of both carriageways will be increased from 6 metres to 7.5 metres to improve traffic flow.According to AMC officials, the new design will allow vehicles coming from the RTO and Police Commissioner’s Office to travel directly towards Namaste Circle without stopping at the junction.
The project has also been planned keeping future traffic requirements in mind, especially as the bullet train corridor passes above the underpass.Traffic challenges expectedThe closure of the Shahibaug Underpass is expected to worsen traffic congestion, as it has been handling diverted traffic following the closure of Subhash Bridge.
With the Asarwa and Sarangpur railway overbridges also shut, commuters travelling from the airport towards Delhi Darwaza and Ghikanta will have to use alternative routes, likely increasing congestion on Shahibaug, Asarwa and Kalupur roads.