AMC revives plan for 10 new foot overbridges after 1.5-year delay
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
After remaining stalled for nearly one-and-a-half years, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has finally moved ahead with plans to construct 10 new foot overbridges (FOBs) on major roads, including Vastrapur and IIM Road, amid growing traffic and concerns over pedestrian safety.
The civic body has estimated a cost of around ₹4 crore per foot overbridge.
Four FOBs In West, Six In East Ahmedabad
Under the proposed plan, four foot overbridges will be constructed in western Ahmedabad and six in the eastern part of the city.
The AMC already has foot overbridges at locations including Camp Hanuman Temple in Shahibaug, Vastral, CTM and Maninagar Railway Station, among others.
The new bridges are being planned to make it safer for pedestrians to cross busy roads.
Private Companies To Build And Maintain FOBs
However, unlike earlier projects where the AMC constructed foot overbridges itself, the civic body is now planning to develop the new bridges through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Under the proposed arrangement, private agencies will be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the foot overbridges.
The AMC has currently estimated the cost at around ₹4 crore per bridge, although the final cost could increase or decrease depending on the designs submitted by private companies.
Availability Of New FOBs Depends On Private Agencies
While the AMC has finalised the plan for 10 new foot overbridges, their actual construction will depend on private agencies coming forward to undertake the projects.
The planning process has reportedly been under discussion for around one-and-a-half years, with the civic body now attempting to move the proposal forward through the PPP model.
The move has also raised questions over the AMC relying on private agencies even for basic public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, busy routes such as Gota-Thaltej and SG Highway have continued to face heavy traffic, with demands for pedestrian infrastructure at several locations.
