Traffic congestion has become a major concern within hours of the opening of the newly constructed overbridge on the Ahmedabad-Botad railway line (LC 24) at Makarba.
The bridge was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on September 24. However, heavy traffic began building up soon after it was opened, particularly near the Corporate Road end, where the bridge terminates less than 10 metres from the road.
A long traffic jam was reported in the area on Wednesday afternoon, with two ambulances also getting stuck in the congestion.
Vejalpur MLA Amit Thackeray has written to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner seeking immediate installation of a traffic signal and deployment of traffic police personnel at the bridge ends.
Questions raised over bridge alignment
The alignment of the bridge has also raised concerns, as its end meets the edge of Corporate Road, creating congestion as vehicles exit the bridge. There are also concerns that vehicles travelling at high speed while coming off the bridge could increase the risk of accidents.
Thackeray said extending the bridge is not technically feasible because of the road layout at the site.
“I wrote to the commissioner after receiving feedback from residents. Following technical discussions with officials of the bridge department, it emerged that four roads meet at the location according to the bridge span. If the span is removed earlier, there is a risk of vehicles travelling at high speed falling off the bridge,” he said.
He added that extending the bridge would require the entire Corporate Road to be closed, while four other roads also meet the stretch ahead, making an extension difficult.
“For now, measures such as speed breakers and traffic signals will be considered to ease congestion. A site visit with all officials will be conducted today and the issue will be resolved,” Thackeray said.
MLA seeks immediate traffic measures
In his letter to the Police Commissioner, Thackeray said the new bridge is expected to improve connectivity between Makarba, Corporate Road and S.G. Highway. However, the current traffic situation at the Corporate Road and S.G. Highway end is causing serious congestion.
He has sought daily deployment of traffic police personnel at both the Makarba and Corporate Road ends of the bridge. He has also demanded immediate installation of a traffic signal at the Corporate Road end to improve traffic movement and road safety.