Maninagar overbridge project hits planning hurdle as AMC, railways differ on design

The proposed overbridge at Ahmedabad’s heavily congested Maninagar railway crossing has hit an early hurdle, with the Railways and the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) unable to agree on its design. A joint meeting held on Thursday ended without a decision after both agencies put forward different proposals, leaving the project’s future uncertain.

The Railways have proposed an 850-metre-long, three-lane overbridge at the crossing, while AMC has suggested a two-lane structure to reduce the number of properties that could be affected by the project.

The Maninagar railway crossing remains one of the city’s busiest traffic bottlenecks, staying closed for significant periods throughout the day due to frequent train movements. Residents have long demanded an overbridge or underpass to ease congestion, but no project had materialised until now.

The overbridge proposal is part of the Central Government’s broader initiative to eliminate railway level crossings and improve road connectivity.

Property acquisition emerges as key point of contention

According to the Railways’ preliminary survey, construction of the proposed three-lane overbridge would require the acquisition of around 260 residential and commercial properties.

However, AMC officials believe the actual impact could be significantly higher. Municipal sources estimate that more than 500 properties may be affected once the full consequences of partial demolition are taken into account.

Officials argue that in many cases, demolishing a portion of a building could render the remaining structure unsafe or unusable. As a result, entire apartment blocks or commercial properties could effectively be lost even if only part of them falls within the project alignment.

To minimise displacement and reduce damage to homes and businesses, AMC has proposed constructing a two-lane bridge instead.

Joint meeting fails to reach consensus

The differing assessments and design preferences were discussed during a joint meeting between Railway and AMC officials on Thursday. However, no policy-level decision was reached.

The lack of consensus means the long-pending project is unlikely to move forward in the immediate future, with further discussions and surveys expected before a final design is approved.

AMC orders detailed survey

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the Railways’ survey had estimated that 260 residential and commercial properties would be affected by the project.

He noted, however, that partial demolition often leaves entire properties unusable.

AMC has instructed its officials to conduct a detailed survey to assess the actual extent of property damage, determine how many structures may be affected, and estimate the number of people likely to face displacement if the project proceeds.

Residents seek relief as affected owners raise concerns

While daily commuters and motorists continue to demand a permanent solution to chronic traffic congestion at the crossing, property owners likely to be affected by the project have raised objections over potential demolitions.

AMC officials are now attempting to balance the need for improved traffic flow with efforts to minimise the impact on residents and businesses located along the proposed alignment.

₹100 crore project to be jointly funded

The Railways have estimated the cost of the Maninagar overbridge at around ₹100 crore.

Under the proposed funding arrangement, the Railways and AMC will each contribute 50% of the project cost.

If implemented in its current form, the Maninagar overbridge would be the first such project in Ahmedabad in which the Railways bear half of the construction cost.