16 encroached shops demolished in Ahmedabad’s Ambawadi market after 17 years

Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Saturday carried out a major demolition drive in the city’s posh Ambawadi area, bringing down 16 commercial structures that had encroached upon the road line from Chhadawad Chowki to Ambawadi Market. 

The operation, conducted by the Estate Department with the help of JCB machines, drew a large crowd of onlookers from nearby areas.

The existing 18-metre-wide stretch is being widened to 30 metres as per the Revised Development Plan (RDP). The action was taken after a long-pending court litigation was finally resolved. 

Officials said one more structure will be razed once ongoing legal proceedings are cleared. This marks the first implementation of the road widening project in the area after 17 years.

According to Mahesh Tabiyar, deputy estate officer of the AMC’s West Zone, notices had been repeatedly issued since 2007–08 to the 16 commercial units located in front of Rudra Complex for violating the road line. 

“Due to court litigation, the implementation was delayed for several years. Earlier, nine other commercial structures were also demolished once the disputes were settled,” Tabiyar said.

With the widening of the road, movement between Ambawadi and Bhudarpura is expected to become smoother and ease traffic congestion in the area.