Ahmedabad motorists are likely to face heavy traffic on SG Highway, Sardar Patel Ring Road and other western routes during Navratri, as vehicle numbers are expected to rise by 35% to 40% amid ongoing construction and road repairs.
Traffic on key routes could increase from the usual 1.25 lakh vehicles to around 1.75 lakh to 1.85 lakh during peak periods, particularly between 8 pm and 2 am. Diversions, barricades and narrowed roads near major garba venues are expected to add to commuters’ difficulties.
Four Major Routes Likely to Face Traffic Jams
SG Highway, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road and the Bopal-Ambli approach road are expected to experience heavy congestion as garba enthusiasts, event staff, private cabs and regular commuters travel through western Ahmedabad.
Ongoing flyover construction, drainage work and road resurfacing have reduced available road space at several locations.
Blocked service roads and diversions around Metro and bridge projects could further slow traffic during the nine nights of Navratri.
On Sindhu Bhavan Road and the Bopal-Ambli approach road, unfinished repairs and vehicles parked near event venues may create additional bottlenecks.
Vaishnodevi, Pakwan and Bopal Among Key Bottlenecks
Construction and roadwork at Vaishnodevi Junction, Pakwan Crossroads, Karnavati Club Crossing and the Bopal approach are expected to affect traffic movement.
At some locations, vehicles may have to pass through a single usable lane instead of three, increasing the chances of long queues during peak hours.
An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 additional vehicles could put further pressure on roads already affected by diversions and restricted service lanes.
Traffic Expected to Rise During Festival Nights
The SG Highway stretch between Vaishnodevi and Sarkhej typically handles around 1.25 lakh vehicles daily, while Sardar Patel Ring Road sees approximately 1.10 lakh vehicles.
During Navratri, traffic is expected to increase significantly, with reported peak-period estimates reaching 1.75 lakh to 1.85 lakh vehicles. Garba events, food markets and related commercial activities are likely to attract more people to the western corridor.
Motorists travelling to garba venues between 8 pm and 2 am have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
14,000 Police Personnel to Be Deployed
Ahmedabad Police has planned extensive security and traffic arrangements for Navratri. Police Commissioner Anupamsinh Ghelot said around 14,000 police personnel and 500 senior officers would be deployed across the city.
The arrangements will include 139 Police Control Room (PCR) vans and 49 SHE Teams. Women officers in plain clothes will help prevent harassment and ensure women’s safety.
Public spaces will be monitored through a control room connected to 4,000 CCTV cameras. An additional 500 personnel will be deployed on roads to manage traffic and facilitate vehicle movement around garba venues.
With large crowds expected across western Ahmedabad, traffic restrictions, diversions and parking arrangements will be crucial to managing congestion throughout the festival