The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has proposed an alternative route for rerouting the flood-prone Bhukhi canal through a stormwater channel running parallel to National Highway 48, following opposition from local residents to the original alignment.
The revised proposal, based on recommendations of the Navlawala Committee to address recurring flooding in the city, will be placed before the VMC Standing Committee on Friday for consideration.
The project is planned in two phases. The first involves rerouting the canal up to Chhani Jakatnaka, while the second extends the channel from there towards the Nizampura crematorium.
The VMC had approved the first phase at an estimated cost of Rs 18.63 crore and awarded the contract to Rajkamal Builders Infrastructure Pvt Ltd at 1.5% below the estimated cost. The second phase was approved for Rs 21.66 crore, with Shivay Infra Project Pvt Ltd securing the contract at 2.39% below the estimate.
However, objections to the original alignment from local residents delayed the project’s progress. The civic body is now considering completing the remaining work along the revised route through the existing contractors or inviting fresh quotations.
The VMC Standing Committee will review the proposed realignment and decide on the next course of action.