The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to improve pedestrian safety around six major educational campuses in Navrangpura by creating wider footpaths, green buffers and better transport facilities.
The proposed Education and Knowledge Society Precinct will cover about 1.7 km across two stretches — from Vijay Crossroads to the Old Passport Office and from CEPT University to Commerce Six Roads. The project will connect L D College of Engineering, Gujarat University, Gujarat University School of Law, CEPT University, H L College of Commerce and Ahmedabad University.
AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said thousands of students use BRTS, AMTS and Metro services to travel to the campuses.“The project is designed to offer safer pedestrian spaces for students and other commuters, with features such as seating around transport stations so that students do not have to walk on the road,” Pani said.
The civic body has allocated Rs 36.72 crore for the project. The plan includes a continuous pedestrian zone of around two metres and a 2.25-metre green buffer along sections of the corridor to separate pedestrians from moving traffic.
The pedestrian areas and green buffers will be created by reducing space for vehicular traffic. The project will also include cycling facilities, landscaping, seating, signage and designated drop-off and auto-rickshaw zones.
Officials said the design will prevent footpaths from being blocked by parked motorcycles, utility boxes, poles and other obstructions. Organised drop-off points are also planned to reduce congestion caused by cars, autos and two-wheelers outside the campuses.
Experts said the success of the project will depend on maintaining a continuous pedestrian path so that students can walk along the entire corridor without having to step onto the road.
Project details:-
Vijay Crossroads–Old Passport Office: 1,100 metres; footpath 1.9 metres; green buffer 2.25 metres; cost Rs 26.76 crore.
CEPT–Commerce Six Roads: 600 metres; footpath 2.1 metres; green buffer 2.25 metres; cost Rs 9.97 crore.
Total: 1.7 km; cost Rs 36.72 crore.