Rain Brings Pain For Daily Commuters on SG Highway After Ahmedabad Downpour

Heavy rain that lashed Ahmedabad early on Friday exposed persistent waterlogging problems on the city's busy S.G. Highway, with motorists facing severe traffic congestion near Karnavati Junction and the approach to Pakwan Bridge from the Gurudwara underpass.

Despite the rain stopping, accumulated water remained on the roads for hours, disrupting traffic and raising the risk of accidents. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) eventually deployed de-watering vans to clear the waterlogged stretches.

The situation has raised questions over the effectiveness of the civic body's pre-monsoon preparations, particularly in stretches where waterlogging has remained a recurring problem.

Drainage Levels And Road Slope Blamed For Waterlogging

A major stretch of the main road on both sides opposite Karnavati Club was submerged after the heavy downpour. Water remained stagnant for hours, with the high level of the drainage system preventing it from flowing out properly.

An improper road slope and depressions along the edge of the road also contributed to water accumulation.

As traffic backed up on the main carriageway, the service road was opened to ease congestion. A de-watering van was later deployed to remove the accumulated water.

Pakwan Bridge Approach Remains A Trouble Spot

The approach near the northern end of Pakwan Bridge has been witnessing water accumulation during rainfall for some time.

Water collects near the cut leading towards the bridge, causing traffic to slow considerably and queues to stretch towards Palladium Mall. The water often remains even after rainfall stops due to inadequate drainage.

Slopes and depressions along the road edge further contribute to water pooling. The problem affects traffic moving towards the Gurudwara as well as vehicles approaching the bridge from the Pakwan side.

During heavy rain, the accumulated water can also obscure road dividers, increasing the risk of accidents.

Catch Pits Built Last Year Fail To Resolve Issue

Waterlogging has also been reported near the approach roads to the Thaltej and Zydus bridges, close to the exit of the Pakwan underpass.

Although catch pits and stormwater drains were constructed at the location last year, motorists continue to face water accumulation, even during relatively light rain. The problem becomes more severe during heavy downpours.

Water Committee Chairman Promises Inspection

Dharamshi Desai, Chairman of the AMC Water Committee, attributed the congestion near Karnavati Club to ongoing bridge construction work and said the traffic situation improved within two hours after the rain stopped.

“Bridge construction work is underway near Karnavati Club, which likely caused traffic congestion there during the rain. The traffic cleared up within two hours of the rain stopping. There is a sewage line on this road, while the stormwater drainage line runs along the highway,” Desai said.

On the recurring waterlogging while ascending Pakwan Bridge from the Gurudwara side, Desai said a new stormwater drainage chamber had been constructed following the previous spell of rain.

“A new stormwater drainage chamber was constructed there after the last spell of rain. This allows water to drain into the main line; however, if waterlogging issues persist, we will have the matter inspected,” he said.