Ahmedabad Navratri Traffic Alert: SG Highway, Ring Road Braced for Heavy Congestion Amid Roadworks

Ahmedabad motorists can expect long traffic queues on the SG Highway, Sardar Patel Ring Road and other western routes during Navratri, as vehicle numbers are projected to rise by 35% to 40% amid ongoing construction and road repairs.

Traffic volumes on key routes could climb from the usual 1.25 lakh vehicles to between 1.75 lakh and 1.85 lakh during the festival, particularly between 8 pm and 2 am. Diversions, barricades and narrowed carriageways near major Garba venues are expected to add to commuters’ woes.

Four Major Routes Likely to Face Traffic Jams

The SG Highway, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road and the Bopal-Ambli approach road are expected to face heavy congestion as Garba enthusiasts, event staff, private cabs and regular commuters converge on the western parts of the city.

Ongoing flyover construction, drainage work and road resurfacing have reduced the available road space at several locations. Blocked service roads and diversions around Metro and bridge projects are also expected to slow traffic during the nine nights of Navratri.

On Sindhu Bhavan Road and the Bopal-Ambli approach road, unfinished road repairs and vehicles parked around event venues could further restrict movement.

Vaishnodevi, Pakwan and Bopal Among Bottlenecks

Construction and roadwork at Vaishnodevi Junction, Pakwan Crossroads, Karnavati Club Crossing and the Bopal approach are expected to create major bottlenecks.

At these locations, traffic may be funnelled from three lanes into a single usable lane, increasing the likelihood of long queues during peak hours.

The expected surge of 50,000 to 60,000 additional vehicles will place further pressure on roads already affected by diversions and restricted service lanes.

Navratri Traffic: Normal Days vs Festival Nights

The SG Highway stretch between Vaishnodevi and Sarkhej typically handles around 1.25 lakh vehicles a day, while the Sardar Patel Ring Road sees approximately 1.10 lakh vehicles.

During Navratri, the combined traffic load on the two routes is expected to increase sharply, with the reported peak-period estimate reaching 1.75 lakh to 1.85 lakh vehicles. Garba events, food markets and associated commercial activity are expected to draw additional traffic into the western corridor.

Motorists travelling to events between 8 pm and 2 am may need to allow extra time for their journeys.

14,000 Police Personnel to Be Deployed Across Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad Police has planned an extensive security deployment for Navratri. Police Commissioner Anupamsinh Ghelot said 14,000 police personnel and 500 senior officers would be on duty across the city.

The arrangements will include 139 PCR vans and 49 She Teams, with women officers in plain clothes deployed to help prevent harassment and ensure women's safety.

Authorities will monitor public spaces through a control room connected to 4,000 CCTV cameras. An additional 500 personnel will be deployed on roads to manage traffic and help maintain the movement of vehicles around Garba venues.

With heavy crowds expected across the western corridor, traffic restrictions, diversions and parking arrangements will play a key role in managing movement throughout the festival.