Ahmedabad bridges and underpasses: AMC officials accused of bypassing expert design recommendations

Opposition leaders have accused officials of the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) of altering the approved designs of several flyovers and underpasses in Ahmedabad over the past decade, allegedly ignoring recommendations by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). The charges were raised during a recent AMC board meeting and include claims of project delays, cost escalations, and structural redesigns made without proper authorisation.

CRRI recommendations allegedly disregarded

Opposition members alleged that AMC officials modified the designs of at least eight major infrastructure projects across the city, bypassing CRRI’s expert input. CRRI’s assessments are typically a prerequisite for such civic constructions.

One instance cited was the Panjrapol Flyover, where CRRI had recommended a structure from Nehrunagar to Gujarat University. The suggestion was reportedly ignored, with a new direction for the flyover being finalised based on a later report from IIT-RAM.

The opposition demanded accountability and disciplinary action against officials responsible for the alterations and alleged mismanagement.

Cost escalations and project delays flagged

The Income Tax flyover was cited as an example of inflated project costs. While CRRI had recommended a four-lane structure, AMC constructed a five-lane bridge, pushing the cost from an estimated ₹59.59 crore to ₹65.91 crore. A special design feature to retain Mahatma Gandhi’s statue beneath the flyover reportedly added ₹10 crore to the expenditure.

Similarly, the Ranip flyover faced a delay of over three years due to unresolved land issues with the Railways. Originally planned to be completed in two years, the project took five. The Railways granted the required 5,000 square metres of land only after a compensation of ₹50 crore was paid.

Deviation from approved tenders and utility conflicts

In the case of the Ajit Mill flyover, although the sanctioned cost was ₹41 crore, the final tender was awarded at ₹50.30 crore. Post-inauguration in December 2021, construction was interrupted due to the discovery of a water trunk mainline below the site, necessitating a redesign.

At Pallav Junction, CRRI had recommended building an underpass, but a flyover was eventually constructed instead. The project cost rose from an estimated ₹64 crore to ₹104.19 crore. High-tension power lines had to be shifted underground at an additional cost of ₹18 crore, despite the flyover being approved in 2017.

Hasty inaugurations and structural concerns

The Jalaram underpass, inaugurated in 2024 by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, was closed within hours due to the presence of an unresolved mobile tower issue. The estimated cost of ₹45 crore rose to ₹83 crore, according to the opposition.

The Sattadhar flyover, approved in 2023 with a budget of ₹81.49 crore, saw tender delays after contractors objected to a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP) introduced following concerns with the Hatkeshwar Bridge. The DLP was reduced back to three years within a month.

Meanwhile, the Hatkeshwar bridge, built in 2017 at a cost of ₹40 crore by Ajay Infracon, is now set to be demolished within six months. Opposition leaders cited persistent structural concerns and demanded a new bridge at the location during the recent board meeting.

The AMC is yet to issue a formal response.

Infra projects under fire

• Hatkeshwar Bridge (2017)

Plan: —

Issue: Built by Ajay Infracon; now facing calls for demolition due to structural concerns

Cost: ₹40 crore

Note: Opposition demanding a replacement

• Ranip Flyover (Completed ~2023)

Plan: Two-year project

Issue: Delayed by Railway land acquisition; took five years

Cost: ₹50 crore paid to Railways for land

Note: 5,000 sq m of land delayed release by 2 years

• Ajit Mill Flyover (Inaugurated Dec 2021)

Plan: Sanctioned at ₹41 crore

Issue: Tender awarded at ₹50.30 crore; trunk water main found post-inauguration

Cost: ₹41 crore → ₹50.30 crore

Note: Design had to be modified

• Pallav Junction (Approved 2017)

Plan: Underpass recommended by CRRI

Issue: Flyover built instead; ₹18 crore extra spent on underground power lines

Cost: ₹64 crore → ₹104.19 crore

Note: 34.5% escalation

• Income Tax Flyover

Plan: Four-lane bridge recommended

Issue: Built as five-lane; ₹10 crore added for structure to preserve Gandhi statue

Cost: ₹59.59 crore → ₹65.91 crore

Note: CRRI advice reportedly ignored

• Panjrapol Flyover

Plan: Split two-lane/four-lane flyovers from Vijay Crossroads to Nehrunagar

Issue: Direction changed after IIT-RAM report

Cost: Not specified

Note: CRRI recommendations bypassed

• Sattadhar Flyover (Approved 2023)

Plan: Approved at ₹81.49 crore

Issue: Tender withdrawn after DLP raised to 5 years; reverted to 3 years

Cost: ₹81.49 crore

Note: Triggered by Hatkeshwar concerns

• Jalaram Underpass (Inaugurated 2024)

Plan: —

Issue: Inaugurated before removing a mobile tower; closed within hours

Cost: ₹45 crore → ₹83 crore

Note: Operational for less than a day