Ahmedabad Traffic Overhaul After High Court Rap: AMC Forms 5 Special Teams, But 'Additional Charge' Model Raises Questions

Facing sharp criticism from the Gujarat High Court over Ahmedabad's worsening traffic chaos, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has constituted five special teams led by Deputy Municipal Commissioners. However, civic officials have been given the responsibility as an additional charge, raising concerns over whether the new traffic planning mechanism can deliver meaningful results.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has assigned five Deputy Municipal Commissioners to spearhead traffic improvement measures after the Gujarat High Court expressed strong displeasure over persistent traffic congestion, illegal parking and inadequate traffic infrastructure across the city.

The move is aimed at strengthening the civic body's Traffic Planning Cell, but questions have already emerged over its effectiveness as the officials have been entrusted with the work in addition to their existing responsibilities.

High Court criticism prompts civic action

According to municipal sources, the civic administration has repeatedly directed officials to improve traffic flow by clearing left turns, maintaining traffic signals, creating zebra crossings and speed breakers, and removing encroachments from roads.

However, little progress was achieved as much of the work remained dependent on private contractors, while senior officials continued to be burdened with responsibilities in their parent departments.

Illegal parking remains a major concern

The Estate Department has also come under scrutiny for failing to curb illegal roadside parking outside commercial complexes and residential societies.

Officials are alleged to have relied largely on issuing notices without ensuring enforcement, allowing encroachments and unauthorised parking to persist across several parts of the city.

Five teams, 27 officials assigned

As part of the action plan presented after the High Court proceedings, the AMC has formed a dedicated Traffic Planning Cell under the leadership of five Deputy Municipal Commissioners.

Each team includes an Assistant Commissioner, a Deputy Head of Department, a Chief Accountant, an Additional Engineer, 10 engineers, and officials from the Estate, Town Development Officer (TDO) and Light departments. In all, 27 officers and employees have been assigned to the initiative.

'Additional charge' sparks concerns

Despite the new structure, officials within the civic administration have questioned whether the exercise will produce tangible results.

Instead of being deputed exclusively to the Traffic Planning Cell, all the officers have been asked to perform the new responsibilities alongside their existing duties. Municipal circles believe the arrangement could limit the team's effectiveness, as officers already handling heavy departmental workloads may struggle to devote adequate time to traffic management.

The development comes as Ahmedabad continues to grapple with growing traffic congestion, prompting increased judicial scrutiny and renewed pressure on civic authorities to deliver visible improvements on the ground.