Shaky ground: Eight infra controversies in seven years put AMC under scrutiny

A series of disputes linked to major bridge and flyover projects over the past seven years has placed the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) under sustained scrutiny, raising questions about planning, execution and accountability in the city’s infrastructure push.

Projects across Ahmedabad -- including Hatkeshwar, Panjrapol, Pallav Junction, Ranip and Income Tax Circle -- have faced problems ranging from design flaws and cost overruns to land acquisition delays and environmental concerns. In several cases, disputes continued even after the structures were opened to the public, adding to criticism of the civic administration’s oversight mechanisms.

Urban growth and mounting pressure on infrastructure

The controversies have unfolded as Ahmedabad grapples with rapid urban expansion, population growth and a sharp rise in vehicle numbers. Traffic congestion has become a routine challenge across the city, and critics argue that the AMC’s bridge projects lack a coherent, long-term mobility strategy capable of keeping pace with demand.

Opposition leaders and civic groups have repeatedly pointed to what they describe as ad hoc decision-making, weak inter-departmental coordination and inadequate pre-project assessments.

Hatkeshwar bridge demolition raises accountability questions

Among the most prominent cases is the Hatkeshwar bridge, constructed in 2017 at a cost of ₹40 crore. The bridge reportedly developed serious structural problems within months of its opening, leading to its closure. While a few officials were suspended, the civic body’s inquiry reportedly stalled. In 2025, the AMC decided to demolish the bridge, a move that renewed questions about quality control and institutional accountability.

Jalaram underpass highlights coordination gaps

The Jalaram underpass, built jointly by the Railways and the AMC at a cost of ₹83 crore, also drew attention soon after its inauguration. The underpass, inaugurated by the Chief Minister, had to be closed within hours when officials realised that two mobile towers along the route had not been removed. The episode highlighted lapses in coordination and pre-inauguration checks.

Pallav Junction and cost escalation

At Pallav Junction, the Central Road Research Institute had reportedly recommended an underpass instead of a flyover. Despite this, a flyover was approved. During construction, it emerged that a high-tension power line passed overhead. Shifting the line underground resulted in an additional expenditure of ₹18 crore, significantly increasing the project cost.

Ranip flyover delayed over land acquisition

The Ranip flyover project was delayed after it took nearly two years to acquire about 5,000 square metres of land from the Railways, for which the AMC paid ₹50 crore. Although the project was originally slated for completion within two years, it was finished only in 2023, well beyond the planned timeline.

Design oversight at Ajit Mill flyover

The Ajit Mill flyover, inaugurated in December 2021, ran into difficulties when authorities later discovered that a major trunk water pipeline lay beneath the structure. The oversight reportedly necessitated a redesign after the flyover had already been opened, adding to concerns about pre-construction surveys and planning diligence.

Income Tax Circle flyover and added costs

The Income Tax Circle flyover became controversial after its design was changed from four lanes to five. The modification led to additional costs, with the relocation of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and extra structural work reportedly adding nearly ₹10 crore to the project expenditure.

Panjrapol project dropped amid environmental concerns

At Panjrapol, a proposal to build a flyover from Vijay Cross Road towards Nehrunagar was eventually dropped. The estimated project cost escalated from ₹62 crore to ₹78.61 crore before it was shelved. Environmental concerns were raised across several bridge projects, with activists alleging that large numbers of mature trees were felled despite assurances to the High Court that tree cutting would be avoided.

Sattadhar flyover and defect liability questions

The most recent project to attract attention is the Sattadhar flyover, approved in 2023. Questions have reportedly been raised about changes to the defect liability period, which was reduced from the standard three years. Detailed information on the decision is yet to be made public.

Political implications ahead of AMC polls

With multiple high-profile infrastructure projects facing criticism, opposition leaders and civic groups have accused the municipal administration of poor planning, cost mismanagement and disregard for environmental safeguards. Civic officials, however, have maintained that the projects were undertaken to ease congestion and improve connectivity in a rapidly growing city.

The cumulative impact of these controversies is expected to shape public perception ahead of the next Amdavad Municipal Corporation elections, with infrastructure governance emerging as a key issue in the city’s political discourse.