AMC To Use Concrete Base Under Footpath Paver Blocks After Repeated Sinking Complaints

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to change the way paver blocks are laid on footpaths across the city after repeated complaints of loose blocks, uneven surfaces and sinking footpaths. The AMC Road Committee has approved a new system under which paver blocks will be laid over a concrete-cement base instead of the existing sand-and-soil layer.

Concrete Base To Replace Sand-And-Soil Layer

According to Road Committee Chairman Jainik Vakil, footpaths in Ahmedabad were earlier built using stone slabs before paver blocks became common. Initially, a plaster layer was provided beneath the paver blocks to improve stability and prevent them from becoming loose or causing the footpath to sink.

The system was later changed to a sand-and-soil base to allow rainwater to seep into the ground. However, the AMC has received increasing complaints about paver blocks getting displaced and footpaths becoming uneven.

Under the new system, paver blocks will be installed only after RMC (Ready-Mix Concrete) work is completed, providing a stronger base.

Repeated Repairs Increase AMC’s Expenditure

The AMC spends lakhs of rupees on constructing footpaths across the city. When paver blocks loosen or sections of footpaths sink, additional funds are required to repair, level and relay the affected portions.

Uneven and sunken footpaths also create difficulties for pedestrians, particularly at locations with heavy footfall.

The Road Committee has therefore resolved to introduce a concrete-cement base beneath paver blocks across all zones and projects instead of the existing sand-and-soil system.

AMC To Explore Other Options For Rainwater Recharge

Vakil said the sand-and-soil base was originally adopted to facilitate rainwater percolation and groundwater recharge. However, rainfall is limited to certain days during the monsoon, while the city remains largely dry during the rest of the year.

The AMC has other arrangements and options for rainwater drainage and groundwater recharge, allowing the civic body to prioritise the durability of footpaths under the revised system.

Gatrad Railway Overbridge Proposal Kept Pending

The Road Committee also discussed a proposal for a railway overbridge at the crossing between Gatrad and Bareja on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara railway line in Ahmedabad’s South Zone.

However, Vakil kept the proposal pending, citing the need for greater clarity on the estimated project cost and the financial contribution of the agencies involved.

Meetings have previously been held between railway authorities, the AMC and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) regarding the proposed overbridge.

The project is estimated to cost around ₹103-104 crore. Under the original proposal, the railway authorities indicated that they would bear 25% of the project cost, amounting to around ₹27.67 crore. The remaining 75% would have to be shared by the AMC and AUDA, potentially taking the AMC’s contribution to more than ₹76 crore.

AMC Seeks Clarity On Possible State Grant

Given the high cost of the Gatrad overbridge, the AMC is hoping for financial assistance from the Gujarat government.

If the state government provides a 50% grant, the remaining project cost could be divided equally between the AMC and AUDA, with both civic bodies contributing 25% of the total cost.

Vakil said the proposal would be taken forward only after clarity is received on the project’s cost, funding pattern and the respective contributions of the railway authorities, state government, AMC and AUDA.

Makarba Bridge Experience Prompts Caution

The difficulties faced by motorists and residents during the planning and implementation of the Makarba railway overbridge have also prompted the AMC to take a cautious approach towards the Gatrad project.

The proposal is expected to move ahead once the financial responsibilities of all agencies and the proposed state government grant are clearly established.