50,000 Shela Residents Left In The Lurch As AMTS-BRTS Connectivity Remains Elusive

Around 50,000 residents of Shela, one of western Ahmedabad’s rapidly developing residential areas, continue to struggle with inadequate public transport, with no direct BRTS connectivity and only one or two AMTS buses operating on the Club O7 road. Despite the development of more than 100 housing societies over the past decade, residents say the absence of adequate city bus services has forced them to depend on expensive rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles.

The problem is particularly acute at night, when residents have little choice but to pay high taxi fares to reach other parts of the city. Students, office-goers and businesspeople are among those affected, prompting residents to demand the immediate introduction of regular public transport services.

100-Plus Housing Societies, But No Adequate Public Transport

Located beyond the SP Ring Road in western Ahmedabad, Shela has witnessed substantial residential development over the past decade, with families settling in more than 100 housing societies of varying sizes.

However, public transport has not expanded at the same pace. While Ahmedabad Janmarg’s BRTS services extend up to Bopal and Ghuma, Shela has no dedicated BRTS route. AMTS connectivity is also limited, with only one or two buses operating along the Club O7 road.

The situation is worse along VIP Road, an important stretch being prepared to provide a direct connection to Sanand. Despite the road’s importance and the presence of landmarks such as Shelnath Mahadev Temple and an AUDA auditorium, no city bus operates on this route.

Residents say bus stops along this stretch are urgently needed to connect the growing residential area with the wider public transport network.

Residents Pay Up To ₹450 For Rickshaw And Taxi Rides

With no convenient bus service, residents must travel by rickshaw or taxi to reach existing AMTS and BRTS connections. Those seeking AMTS services have to travel to Sobo Center, while BRTS commuters must reach Vakil Saheb Bridge.

The additional travel costs place a burden on residents who need to commute regularly for work, education and business. At night, the lack of public transport leaves residents dependent on taxis, often at considerably higher fares.

The fares reported by residents for travel from Shela to various destinations highlight the expense of getting around without adequate bus connectivity.

Residents have called for regular city bus services comparable to those available in other urban areas, arguing that a growing residential population should not have to depend almost entirely on private transport.

Janmarg Says New Routes Are Planned

Responding to the issue, Rahul Sharma, manager at Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd., said the organisation plans to deploy new buses on the route in the near future.

He said the initial focus would be on increasing the frequency of buses on existing routes. New routes covering additional areas would subsequently be introduced, and a survey would be conducted soon to assess the requirements.

However, residents of Shela continue to face daily commuting difficulties as they await improvements to public transport connectivity.

For a locality with around 50,000 residents and more than 100 housing societies, the immediate demand is for reliable bus services, particularly along VIP Road, and better links to the existing AMTS and BRTS networks.