Anjali crossroads dug up for stormwater project, commuters face months of disruption

Ahmedabad’s Anjali Crossroads has become a major concern with a large excavation for a stormwater pipeline project disrupting traffic, and adding to commuters’ woes. The work, part of a wider effort to address persistent civic issues such as waterlogging and drainage blockages, is expected to continue for several more months.

Major excavation slows traffic at key junction

A massive pit at the busy junction has narrowed carriageways and slowed vehicle movement, particularly during peak hours. Hundreds of commuters pass through the stretch daily, and the ongoing work has compounded congestion in an already high-traffic area.

The disruption comes amid broader concerns over repeated road digging across the city, as authorities attempt to upgrade ageing infrastructure systems.

AMC cites stormwater pipeline project

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) said the excavation is part of a project to lay a 1,800 mm diameter stormwater pipeline over approximately 4.91 km, connecting Manekbag Crossroads to Anjali and extending towards the Sabarmati river near Vasna Barrage.

Officials said the project uses micro-tunnelling technology, which involves digging a vertical shaft at specific points and laying pipelines horizontally underground, rather than trenching the entire stretch. The method is comparable to borewell-style drilling and is intended to reduce surface disruption.

Timeline stretches to one year

According to AMC, work on the project began on November 27 last year with a completion timeline of one year. After five months of work, the project is expected to continue for at least another seven months, indicating prolonged disruption for commuters using the corridor.

Cost and planning under scrutiny

The 4.91 km stormwater pipeline project is estimated to cost around ₹102 crore and will be executed in two phases.

Urban planning experts have raised concerns over the extended timelines and cost. Some suggest that with efficient execution, such work could be completed in a significantly shorter period. Others point to long-term planning gaps, arguing that better foresight in areas such as Navrangpura, Paldi, and Vasna could have reduced the need for large-scale, disruptive interventions.

Residents flag civic strain

The ongoing work has added to frustration among residents dealing with multiple civic issues, including traffic congestion and recurring infrastructure repairs. Concerns persist over the pace of execution and the cumulative impact of simultaneous projects across the city especially with the monsoon around the corner.